Northern Saw-Whet Owl

This bird was at the top of my wish list for some time, and I finally got a few photos earlier this year. Several saw-whets had been seen at a wildlife refuge up in BC, but every time I went I couldn't find them. Finally, I asked a volunteer where to look, and they promptly located four of them for me!

At that point I came to understand why I wasn't having much luck. They're much tinier than I expected (pygmy owl size) and spend their daylight hours hidden under pine branches. One was actually perched directly over the trail, two feet above my head as I walked by, and I never would have found it without help. This was the best view I had of any of the four.

Of course, since they were sleeping, getting any view of the eyes was nearly impossible. I believe this one peeked because a loud child ran by. I'd like to improve on this image (hopefully this winter), but I do feel it gives a great sense of their typical daytime environment, tucked away beneath the branches.

Canon 1DX
Canon 500mm f/4 IS
ISO 1600
1/125th
f/4

Max