Warning: cute overload

Photo: Kelsey Byers

This lil' puff ball (IDed as a Northern Saw-Whet Owl) was found hiding out in the Medicinal Garden on campus at the University of Washington. A quick wikipedia search reveals that this cutie is named after the repeated whistle noise it makes, which they use to find a mate. This guy looked like he was napping when I checked him out in the evening.

Now I'm torn... is this sleepy little owl cuter than our Honduran white bat friends? It's mammal vs. bird now.

Thanks, nature.... for keeping it cute on a Friday.