I live in an area that gets a really nice bird migration. This is a Northern Saw-Whet Owl. They are small - about 6 to 8 inches tall.

As they migrate north this time of year, they stop over in this one place regularly so knowing when and where one can usually see one or more (with some luck and skill at knowing what to look for in the location). They prefer pines and they rest in the tree like you see here, anywhere from 2 feet off the ground to about 10 feet up but it varies. If they are very close to the center of the tree, they are usually just resting. However if they are really hungry, they will be out closer to the edges of the tree but there is great risk there because they are then unprotected from predators.

Because one can get so close to them, I do not disclose owl locations. I also do not get too close nor stay too long. This owl didn't even move while I was there so it was really tired.

They are a special thing to observe.