19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Small and Fierce

Perched high on a branch a Northern Pygmy Owl glances my direction briefly before returning its focus to hunting prey. Back Story: Owls are always a favorite subject for me. Since Northern pygmy owls are diurnal they can be found hunting during the day. This little one picked a great spot as on several occasions when we passed this same area I had noticed a small flock of pine siskins in the trees near by. Small song birds are always on the menu for the pygmy.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2020
Date Uploaded: 08.2021
Photo Location: West Glacier, Montana, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Lea Frye