Hi there!

I am in Kelowna - on the west-facing slope just south of the airport. I have a gazillion feeders and have the usual sparrows, finches and chickadees, but yesterday morning about 8:30 I had a new bird that I am sure was not after the feed in the feeders - but rather the birds that eat at my feeders!

Have never seen this bird before - he came twice, but only managed to get pics of him the first time. Managed these 4 fast shots before a magpie chased him off.

Am I right in identifying him as a Northern Pygmy Owl?









If I am wrong, please correct me

Does this bird winter here or perhaps was it just passing through on its way to somewhere warmer for the winter?

I am not wild about it hanging around to feed off my songbirds, but on the other hand - I WAS thrilled to see a new bird!!!

Thanks!

Cheers,
Sue

_________________
The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind.
- Carly Simon

It is a Northern Pygmy-Owl. This species probably occurs in your area both as a resident, and as a migrant from further north, where they leave their ranges for the winter. Even for birds which are resident, many will leave their territories in mid winter to move to lower elevations and areas with less densely forested habitats.

Thanks, Guy, for the confirmation and the information, too!

Cheers,
Sue

_________________
The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind.
- Carly Simon

I have also had a Northern pygmy owl at my feeders 2 winters ago but my chickadees swarmed and killed him! I took him to the wild life park.
The owl was very beautiful and so small.

Dice