Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Organic Toothpick

I watched this beautiful northern hawk owl grip a tiny branch from a tree with his talons as he broke off a piece of this tiny branch and then proceeded to use it as a toothpick. I had never witnessed a raptor making use of a branch or any other natural element as a tool before.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2018
Date Uploaded: 09.2019
Photo Location: Gatineau, Canada
Copyright: © Heather King