Desperation must have set in because I got rather interested in a vocal Tree Sparrow at some point. Angie said to me "I'm going to look for a Saw-whet Owl over there" pointing to a promising grove of conifers not too far away.
Off she goes. I watch this Sparrow for a bit and then make my way over to where she is. She's still ahead of me, scoping out the cedar trees.
I felt the need to get rid of a couple coffees I had earlier if you know what I mean. I step off the path and get myself in between some spruces for a little privacy, wind deflection... I'm unzipping when I suddenly see a little brown lump of a bird about 8 feet in front of me, not even eye level. Holy shit, it's a Saw-whet Owl!
Forget peeing for the moment. Zip up my fly. Slowly back away and go get my wife.
Angie had a mix of emotions. She was happy to see the little Owl. She was kinda mad at me (in a fun way) for finding it. She was kicking herself for choosing to look in the cedar trees first, instead of these spruces.
I took about 10 photos and away we went, leaving him to zone throughout the rest of the day. Seeing this little one sure made up for a rather quiet bird walk.
There's nothing quite like finding an Owl on your own.