Northern Pygmy-Owl
November 19, 2023
I recently had some time to kill between appointments in Bend so I headed over to Shevlin Park looking for birds. To my surprise I came across a stunning Northern Pygmy-Owl! At first glance after noticing movement in a juniper tree, I thought it was a fat bird with a speckled head and I had no idea what bird that could be so I followed it. I have been looking for this owl for about six months so I was really excited when I realized my find!
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
Northern Pygmy-Owls are small diurnal (during the day) owls. When I say they are small: I’m talking only 6.7” tall! They weigh roughly 2.3oz and have an 11.8” wingspan.
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
While I was shooting this owl, I felt really confused. It was a gray, cloudy day and there were lots of branches, making it difficult to see clearly and I had a hard time determining when the owl was looking at me. I made sure to take a lot of pictures because of this. When I got home and began editing, I noticed eyes on the back of this owl’s head! The Northern Pygmy-Owl has “false eyes” on the back of it’s head which prevents direct attacks to their face and deters predators or songbirds from coming after them because they think they are being watched.
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
This was my final shot before it retreated to the Juniper I had found it in. I love capturing it midstep before flying away. I feel so grateful to have spent time with this adorable owl and will treasure this special memory!
Northern Pygmy-Owl (Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon)
