Saw-whet owl ... SO CUTE!!

Someone reported a saw-whet owl roosting in his back yard woodpile. Since it's only about 3 miles from my house, I rushed right over to get some photos. It's not often you get the opportunity to photograph one right out in the open like this. Usually they roost in trees and are hard to spot. I really lucked out because I happened to be online when I saw the report. Turns out the owl flew away about 45 minutes after I left. And to think I'd been lamenting how dreary the weather is today for photography, turns out to be perfect for photographing this little guy! This is handheld with the 500 + 1.4x TC. I just sat down in the snow and propped my elbows on my knees.

Cute is right.. great shot! How big are these guys? He looks little. Burrowing Owl size?

They are a bit smaller than burrowing owls. The saw-whet owl is the smallest owl in the eastern part of the country. About the size of a robin.

Thats a great catch,,,don,t have a pics of one of them yet,,,nice capture. Ron

Thats a great shot Liz , I like the woodpile B/G works well .

Great one Liz, very nice composition. I'd be right there myself if I heard a report like you did. These and the Eastern Screech are high on my Owl list.

very nice shot Liz

They sure are among the cutest. How great to have it pose on the woodpile. I normally see them buried back inside a dark pine tree. Nice catch.

Great Job Liz, Love the low angle and Fantasdtic Bird!!

Awesome shot, that is by far the cutest owl evvvvar.

Thanks all, it was great to have the opportunity so close to home, and at eye level! I heard that the owl flew off about 45 minutes after I left, but then returned later in the afternoon.

Great shot.......

Yep, that's cute Nice shot, Liz.

Superb image Liz. The woodpile makes for an unusual but fabulous BG too.

Very nice shot. I also really like the background, it makes for a great overall image.