The feisty Pygmy Owl is with us year round, but is only seen in the valley bottoms during the winter. Apparently the recent cold was enough to drive it off the mountainsides for one visited my yard on Wednesday.
This fist-sized owl was perched in the same alder tree that waxwings had used the previous day as a staging post. It seems to know that a perch beside a rowan tree affords good hunting of other birds.
It revealed its two fake eyes on the back of its head as it scanned for prey.
“Lest you doubt my prowess, please note my sharp claws and my blood-stained beak.”
Nice – With those eye spots at the back you see why the Mexican’s call them “4 eyes”.
The third picture made me laugh out loud! Especially with that foot sticking up to show off the lovely sharp claws. Great shots as always, Alistair.
Great series and I can not stop looking at the third photo because it is superb.
2014 has been a great year of photography for you?
Travis, the ancient Greeks had a god with a mission to help a hunter stalk prey: Lelantos. Of course at the time, his intercession led to killing. These days, with declining hunting and increasing nature photography, Lelantos has been struggling to retain relevance. I recently discovered that he is now willing to help a photographer’s more benign stalking.
What a beautiful owl, how great to see it close up. Nature must really love your commitment, Alistair, you got every angle, a phenomenal treat to see this!
I’m enjoying how his expression goes from fierce in the first shot, to something approaching professorial in the final image. Perhaps he is seeing you as a kindred spirit Alistair!
Envious of such a lovely bird in your back yard. Beautiful photos. Birds on the Golf Course here at Cordova Bay, 80+ species to date, include Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks. My photos not as close up.Thanks for sharing.
I have collected Owls for as long as I can remember and never knew about the eyes in the back of their heads. Always learning, thanks for sharing the photos. Moe
Moe, I believe that only Pygmy Owls have these fake eyes on the back of their heads.