This diminutive owl is not really a rarity, but it is not found every year and delights us whenever it appears. 

The following is an entry in Birds of Dutchess County, 1964-1979 by Eleanor Pink and Otis Waterman, published by the Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club in April 1980.  Northern Saw-whet Owls have been seen in Dutchess several times in the last few years.  For some more recent photos, see our Owls Photo Album.