Northern Pygmy Owl: on the lookout

An adorable northern pygmy owl on the lookout on a steep hillside, shortly before sunset, and shortly before beginning to hunt. On southern Vancouver Island, northern pygmy owls are permanent residents, remaining in their territory all year. While some migrate to higher elevations, many stay at relatively low elevations all year, as I see several families every season in the same locations from sea level to higher locations...likely because we don't have very tall mountains and hillsides. Once leaves have grown in in the spring and they begin to nest, they do become more difficult to find, as they are very small and, thus, difficult to see with leaf cover, and they become much quieter once they begin nesting, though they do still chat and the young do beg for food like other owlets.
#northernpygmyowl #pygmyowl #owl #beautifulbirds #territorial #pacificnorthwest #pnw #fujifilm #nikon

[@rivertrees4733]

Very nice and beautiful ❤️ 😍 🤩 👌 ❣️ Thank you ❤️

[@wildlifeandnaturebydtb2460]

Thanks so much

[@Rockymtnchick]

Love these ferocious little pom-poms. I’m always on the lookout for the tell-tale bobble on the treetops, but so rarely see them.
Wonderful!

[@wildlifeandnaturebydtb2460]

Thanks Rocky

[@yewtewbtoo]

Annoying music. Silence is golden.