Saw-whet Owl Release

I had the opportunity to watch the release of a Saw-whet Owl back into the wild today. One of our volunteers brought our captive American Kestrel back from the Raptor Center where it was having a check-up and when they realized she was heading back to the nature center they asked if she would mind releasing a Saw-whet Owl on our property. We have good habitat for them so we said it would be great. It is always interesting to see a release. The Saw-whet owl is the smallest owl in Minnesota and almost the smallest owl in the world. After the release the bird flew to a nearby tree and I was able to get this shot.

Photo Credit: Kirk Mona

Stay away from buildings little guy (or girl.)

~Kirk