Northern Pygmy Owl Archives - Ferrara Wildlife Photography

Northern Pygmy Owl – A Feathered Despot

A Feathered Despot Though my stature be quite slight, strength makes me a mighty sprite. All the world must realize, power is not judged by size. I ambush and I use surprise, so from this scheme success derives. Merciless when I predate, victims find oft it’s too late. In the open at my job, that’s why I am sometimes mobbed. I take the last in casual stride, for not all aggravants will hide. So, you beware small birds in strife, this feathered despot’s not so nice. Beasties you have much to fear, when this pygmy owl draws near. ~ Poem and Northern Pygmy Owl image, A Feathered Despot © Jerry L. Ferrara

Mighty Sprite The Northern Pygmy Owl is one of the smallest owl species on the North American continent being only about six inches in stature. In spite of its elfin size, it is capable of dispatching and carrying off prey that is much larger than itself. It is truly a mighty sprite of the woodlands. I may be small but don’t be fooled for in my tiny frame, I pack a punch compared to some that puts them quite to shame. I roam the woods and forest breaks while constantly in search, and from atop the highest stands I wait upon my perch. So when the mousy beasties dash across the open tract, I rocket off my waiting post and there commit the act. It’s swift and sure and if my prey is larger than am I, I have no doubt that I will take it up when I do fly. ~ Anecdote, poem and Northern Pygmy Owl capture, Mighty Sprite © Jerry L. Ferrara. Selle Valley, Bonner County, Idaho