This winter we admitted a record number of Saw Whet Owls. From October through February we admitted 23 of these little birds.
Saw Whet Owls are generally found much further north, however in “irruptive” years large numbers of birds move south. The exact cause of these irruptions is not known, however scientists believe it is a lack of food up north that drives larger than average numbers of birds south.
The majority of the Saw Whet Owls we admitted were brought in due to impact injuries, which is the most common injury we see in owls. This can be the result of being hit by a car or flying into a window. Luckily, 52% of the Saw Whets we admitted have been released. Four of the birds are still in our care.
The saw-whet owl is just a few inches tall, with a fluffy head of feathers that makes him look top heavy. Many describe the saw-whet as bursting with attitude. Weighing in at roughly three ounces, this North American native is one of the smallest birds of prey.