Northern Saw-Whet Owl Fledgeling Portrait, Lake Tahoe

You never know what treasures you'll find when you explore out in nature. As I searched for black bears in one of my favorite locations near the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, I happened upon two Northern Saw-Whet Owls just out of the nest. With their limited experience, they had no idea what I was. I kept my distance, using a long lens, so as not to disturb them. These inquisitive little fluff balls are some of the cutest wild creatures I've seen. I was able to isolate one of them with my long lens, enabling me to capture this intimate portrait.