I had the permit before I took it to the Biologist.
Although it was strikingly similar to a young Boreal Owl, which is what most guesses were. It is still smaller than average ,even for a Saw-whet Owl. Comparing pictures is very different to having the two birds in hand and side by side. Both Fish and Wildlife and the Biologist concur that it is a small, yet mature Saw-whet owl.
Had I not just turned onto my range road from the busy highway, I would not have had the opportunity to stop the already slow moving car and retrieve it. There are no damaged feathers and I immediately bagged and froze him. Fish and Wildlife does not offer biological reports on any particular species, but rather determine that the animal did not expire from willful destruction. Meaning; they xray it to look for pellets and bullet holes. Having that said, they were very helpful and eagerly comparing written, photographic, and completed mounts to support the wildlife Inspectors permit.
These little birds are completely nocturnal and only come out at night. Perhaps the odd photo can be taken late dusk or early dawn. They basically still hunt and are so small that you could easily pass them by as a bump on a tree, if not completely hiding in a squirrel hole. You have probably heard them many times, calling for mates in the spring.
Its a total bummer knowing that this little guy died by smoking into the side of my car. I would have been very pleased to simply have taken a photo of him while he was alive. having that said, I'm glad I turned around to see what hit the car, and I'm glad i didn't just leave the carcass on the road to get squished into the pavement. A buddy of mine does very good taxidermy with birds and now that I have the permit, I'll take him there this weekend.
He has been a very interesting and educational little bird, and will continue to be so. Isn't he just the cutest little bird? My Girlfriend thinks its adorable and almost cried when I showed it to her. I hope you enjoyed it.
