Eyes wide open

This tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl only opened its eyes for a few seconds a couple of times. The rest of the time, it was asleep. Photographed in Carburn Park on January 28th. Winter has returned once more, with a thin layer of snow early this morning.

Adults are 17–22 cm (6.7–8.7 in) long with a 42–56.3 cm (17–22.2 in) wingspan. They can weigh from 54 to 151 g (1.9 to 5.3 oz) with an average of around 80 g (2.8 oz), making them one of the smallest owls in North America. In relative size to other birds they are close to the size of an American Robin.

"A small owl of all types of woodlands, the Northern Saw-whet Owl can be found roosting in winter in small, dense conifer trees, sometimes even in parks and gardens. Its defense upon discovery is to sit still and not fly, leading people to perceive them as "tame." From AllAboutBirds.

After an online "Critter Vote", the Saw-whet Owl became the new star of Telus' mobility campaign in the summer of 2011." Some of you may have seen this very cute TV commercial : )

youtu.be/GaeFUeusM7w

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/id/ac

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl