We were just finished photographing the resident Common Paraque at Estero Llano Grande World Birding Center when a Ranger and two tourists walked up and asked if we would like to see a Screech Owl.

Well yes!

This is apparently the Mexican variety,  common in the Rio Grande Valley,  and under study for separate species status. To give a sense of proportion take a look at the normal sized screw head upper left. This is a small owl. And you are seeing it’s whole body. Close study will show its little toes and talons at the bottom of the nest hole. Small.

Canon SX50HS in Program with iContrast and – 1/3rd EV exposure compensation. 1800mm equivalent field of view. Processed in Snapseed on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014.