Best photo of the day: northern pygmy owl (#lifer)

I was done for the day; heading back up US 101 back to Portland. I pulled in to take a photo of the sunset, and in a scrubby tree 3 ft from my face was this guy! I ran back to the car to get my camera, chanting to myself "please stay there..." He cooperated, and I got the shot.

This owl is tiny, no bigger than my fist! But his fierce gaze had me keeping my distance out of respect!

#birding #birds #bird #northernpygmyowl #owl #owlsofinstagram