Scott Rashid

Northern Saw-whet Owl Scott Rashid

The diminutive Northern Saw-whet Owl is the smallest owl found in the east and one of the smallest in the west. Like the other small owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls are a secondary cavity-nesting species that prefer nesting in Northern Flicker cavities and also readily take to, and nest in nest boxes. Knowing this, I have built and placed more than 80 nest boxes for these owls, and placed them throughout the mountains of Northern Colorado. Having these boxes in place and finding several owls nesting in natural cavities, has given me the opportunity to study their nesting habits and food preferences. By trapping and banding the owls in the fall, has given me some insight into their movements after their nesting season has ended. Within the pages of Northern Saw-whet Owl (The Deep Woods Gnome) you will read about the bird's natural history including their courtship, nesting, food preferences, and movements.