Northern Saw-whet Owl

"Few Pennsylvania birds have been cloaked in as much mystery, or elicited such curiosity, as the Northern Saw-whet Owl- the smallest of the Commonwealth's nocturnal raptors and, until recently, the least known (2nd Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pa).  It is a common migrant through Pennsylvania and nests mostly in the Northern Appalachian Plateau with a few occurrences in the central Ridge and Valley region.  The Northern Saw-whet Owl seems to prefer mature mixed deciduous and coniferous forest for nesting and breeding.  It's common prey items are small mammals such as mice, shrews, and voles, and during migration they may supplement their diet with small birds.  This individual is most likely a returning migrant to its breeding territory.  Its presence was noted mostly by blue jays which squawked at it.  The owls response was to open its beak at the blue jays.  The blue jays eventually gave up the harassment as they did not seem to bother the little owl.  The other winter feeder species did not seem to care about this predator being present as they continued their daily routines by visiting the feeders and sometimes perching within a few feet of the owl.  The tiny owl was successful 2 out of 3 attempts going after shrews traveling under the snow pack.  For more information on this and other bird species, visit www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search
." -Brett Martin