Northern Pygmy Owl

Local birders reported that they found two pygmy owl in Maplewoods Flat (those who're in my area take note). Went with a couple of guys yesterday and got some shots. I have no idea how somebody could find these owls (do they use thermal sensor or something?). I suppose they are easy to find than the saw whet owls since they don't hide under the leaves like the former do. Still, the pygmy owls are smaller than the saw whet...

This is the first one:

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And the second one with some hazy sunlight:

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See those "eyes" on the back of its head?:

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Taken with 200-400 + 1.7TC. Cropped and cleaned up some of the background.

Didn't have a chance to photograph the hawk owl (at other location) though.

Wow those are some awesome little birds.

Nice shooting.

Very nice find and images! I have not seen one to be honest, but will some day.

Very nice shots, great to see these thanks for sharing.