Nice owl! From the back I wouldn't have been able to identify it as an owl. It's amazing how similar raptor backs look - I guess that's a very effective camouflage pattern for a tree dweller. I wonder if sparrow backs work best in grassy environments. I can empathize with your DH slipping while trying to photograph the owl. When I was leaving my NYC neighborhood I wanted to take a photo from the sidewalk of the Siberian Elm outside my window. While backing up I tripped on the railing of the building steps next door and almost fell into the stairwell. I managed to grab the railing and pull myself back up without damaging me or the camera but it was a close call. Claire

Could you try to post a larger photo of it so that we can see it better? Is the stem woody or soft? What climate zone do you live in?

I'm not sure what this is... and I just went and searched 2 bird identifier websites and still can't find it. My first thought was a Marsh Tit, but I don't think that's it

black phoebe is mostly found in the south west usa but has expanded north and east so has been seen in most states west of the rockies. if you google eastern Phoebe you will see the eastern version which is similar but not quite as black. the phoebes are mostly insect eaters and are most often found around water, either streams or ponds or lake shores. there have been a few instances of phoebes at feeders and they will eat small seeds if insects are not available.