Northern Saw-whet Owls

Several weeks ago I noticed movement in a tree cavity about 30 feet off the ground in a large Birch tree that makes it home just outside the perimeter of our yard. Living near Lake Superior it is not unusual for me to see many different kinds of birds. Over the years this tree cavity has been home to Piliated Woodpeckers, several Flicker families and other birds have tried this cavity out for a day or so, even do some excavating only to decided that it was not to their liking. This particular nesting hole faces southeast with only one small branch which in my opinion would make a great place to stretch those young wings before taking that 30 foot leap, provided they could get to it.

The vague movements turned into yellow eyes and a downy head with a white "v" between it's eyes and sometimes this little creature would stick it's over sized head out so far that I could see it's buff colored vertical striped underside. I had to laugh on more than one occasion since it's head seemed to be the biggest part of this tiny owl. For a little more than 3 weeks I had the privilege of spying on these little Northern Saw-whet Owls. Full grown they are 7 inches tall with a 17 inch wingspan without ear tufts. They are light colored and could easily be missed. They rest quietly in dense foliage during the day and can easily be approached and even handled.

I had become familiar with my little friends schedule. I knew when they were active and when they rested during the day. One little guy would fall asleep while looking out of the hole so his chin would resting on the bottom lip of the cavity. I worried about them. I enjoyed them and now I miss them. I went to check on my little babies one morning and I couldn't see any movement in the cavity, so I waited and watched and still nothing. I did my chores and came back during a time when they had been historically active and still nothing. Had my little Saw-whets fledged during the night? I kept vigil for 3 days with no movement and still find myself wondering about the little owls. I said a prayer and thanked them for the gift that they gave me. The gift of remembering that there is something outside of myself. They gave me the gift of seeing that if God has a bigger plan for even the tiniest creatures then God has a plan for me too. And just like I waited and watched to see what happened to the baby owls, with a prayerful heart I will wait and stretch my wings so when God says "fly" I'll be ready...