LANCASTER — Experienced nature photographer Jodi Sylvester recently had “an unforgettable encounter” with New England’s smallest owl species, a Northern Saw-whet.
The town resident was all dressed up and on her way to dinner on Feb. 14 when she decided last minute to take an unexpected detour, which paid off in a big way when she found herself “perched in a snowbank doing what I love.”
“Some girls want diamonds, but this girl got more than she could’ve ever asked for this Valentine’s Day,” Sylvester said of being blessed with the opportunity to take photos of the tiny owl with a catlike face, oversized head, and bright yellow eyes while on the North Shore. “Sometimes in life we are graciously handed exactly what we need when we need, and I needed this.”
This is the third time she has seen this particular type of owl in the wild but the first time in her home state, “making it extra special.” Sylvester reported that Northern Saw-whet owls measure only seven to eight inches tall, the size of a soda can, and “are most often found tucked up against the trunks of conifer trees.”
“They are often heard but not seen due to their elusive nature,” she shared, adding that “they are tiny but mighty if you’ve ever seen one hunt.”
Sylvester went on to encourage people to get outdoors by saying if they “want to add enrichment to your life, get connected with nature and the wildlife.”
“It is therapy for the mind, body, and soul.”
As a staunch animal and wildlife advocate, she relayed a message for those drawn to doing just that — “as always, please respect it, help protect it, and refrain from the use of glue traps and poisons.”
Circling back to spotting a Northern Saw-whet owl over the weekend, Sylvester said it was “an incredible experience.”
“Best Valentine’s gift ever.”
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