This Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) from Rila mountain was the highlight of a short owl and woodpecker tour we just finished. It popped up just 3 meters from the members of the group and was photographed by our tour guide Simeon Gigov.

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is found in the boreal forests of Northern and Central Europe to Siberia, usually at the edges of clearings. It nests in old woodpecker holes, often those of the great spotted woodpecker.
It is a sedentary species, meaning that adults are resident throughout the year in its range. The exception would be during harsh winters, when the adults may move south.