Northern Saw-Whet Owl

Aerogal

USMC 1983-1995
Was standing at the edge of my road South of St Mary's College at 6am this morning. I got a good long look at it before it took off (eating something yummy). According to the website, it's usually in Western Md during the winter.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl lives in low, moist coniferous or mixed forests, wooded swamps or evergreen thickets. They are small owls averaging only 7 inches as adults. Saw-whet owls are brown with a reddish facial disc and underside. They have yellow eyes and lack “ear tufts.” The sound of their call resembles the “whetting” or sharpening of a saw. Saw-whet owls feed on small rodents, including deer mice, shrews, and voles, but may also eat insects. They nest in natural cavities and those excavated by woodpeckers, but will also accept nest boxes. Northern Saw-whet Owls are highly migratory and found only in western Maryland during winter.

Wild Acres: Owls in Maryland - Wildlife and Heritage Service
 
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