Sometimes you need just go with that gut feeling…something was telling me it might be worth checking. With that in mind I headed back to the same location as last winter.

Well I’m thinking back to last January and coming across a Northern Saw-whet Owl.
As I mentioned back then they are 6-7 in…a bit smaller than a Screech Owl and half the size of an Northern Hawk Owl.
Although that may not be of much help if you’re not familiar with the Screech or Hawk Owl…so let say a bit smaller than a Robin.

They prefer to roost in confers which provides a safe place hidden away in the branches protected from predators…that would also include humans/photographers.
They can be most difficult to locate and easily missed.

My take away…always go with the gut feeling, what do you have to loose.

Well it’s definitely been an strange year as far as Winter Owls.
Found that Snowy Owls to be fewer than normal being hit and miss and you could never count on seeing one at the same location twice.
Disappointing year for Great Grays…with not one sighting.
Couple of Hawk Owls that provided some enjoyable encounters.
Last but not least…the Northern Saw-whet sightings would be the most enjoyable part of the winter.
As we near the middle of March…thoughts of returning Peregrines will now be on my mind.

Like other owls the Northern Saw-whet doesn’t build a nest in which to use. They rely on other birds like the Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker to do all the work then will use the location.
They will also take advantage of the nest boxes that we humans build for Wood Ducks…wonder what the ducks will think about that on their return ?
Hopefully the nest box will be used as it’s in a very public place with lots of human traffic.
I’ve opted not to return because of the location…good luck little owls.