Autumn Owls, 2023!

Saw-whet Owls can be difficult to see. This individual was likely passing through during migration. Their prey include Deer Mice which they usually eat in pieces over the course of two meals. The owl's name may have come from the call they make which (some people say) resembles a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone. They are slightly heavier than a Hairy Woodpecker, and smaller than an Eastern Screech-Owl.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl/overview

The Saw-whet Owl looked down on us as we walked the trail directly below its roosting location.

A few Eastern Screech Owls have been found peering out of roosting holes recently. They are small owls, slightly larger and considerably more bulky than a European Starling. They have pointed ear tufts, which are often raised.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Screech-Owl/id

American Crows seem to have a particular dislike of Great Horned Owls, which often raid their roosts by night. During the day, a resting owl can often be located by watching for a noisy and agitated mob of crows. They will harass the sleepy predator until it silently flaps on to a more sheltered spot.

https://abcbirds.org/bird/great-horned-owl/

A Great Horned Owl on the alert for nearby bullies.