Northern Saw-whet Owl

This tiny owl with a catlike face, oversized head, and bright yellow eyes is one of the most common owls in forests across northern North America but it is highly nocturnal and seldom seen. That's why seeing this owl out in the open was such a gift! It may have been named for giving a call that sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetting stone, but to me the call sounds like the beep-beep-beep that a big truck makes when it is backing up. Seeing this beauty was most definitely an early birthday gift. (Tomorrow is my birthday!)