This bright-eyed burrowing owl is emerging from its burrow just in time to enjoy the sunset here in Northern California. And yes, you read that right—it’s a burrowing owl. Unlike most owls, burrowing owls nest and roost underground, often in tunnels abandoned by ground squirrels or prairie dogs. It"s one of many traits that make the pint-sized species unique among owls. Burrowing owls live in grasslands, deserts, or other open dry areas with low vegetation. When threatened, they retreat to their burrows and are known to frighten off predators by mimicking the rattling and hissing sounds of a rattlesnake. And while most other owls sleep during the daytime, burrowing owls are often active in the daylight hours. It"s as if they didn"t finish proper owl training.
Here s looking at you
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Everyone s watching the Perseids
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Thomas Edison s bright idea
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Arrone in Umbria, Italy
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World Octopus Day
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Belize Barrier Reef
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Pollinators: not to be sneezed at
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Combating extinction with citizen science
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In the Supertree Grove
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Playa del Amor, Marietas Islands, Mexico
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Tennis in the park
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International Moon Day
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Leap day
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Río Negro, Amazon basin, Brazil
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In search of roadside attractions on ‘America’s Highway’
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Tigh Mor Trossachs on Loch Achray, Scotland
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Back to the nest
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Festival of British Archaeology
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Global commerce in motion
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Just another day in paradise
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Presidents Day in America’s front yard
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Here s looking at you
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Roman bridge of Córdoba, Spain
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Feast of the Donkey
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International Tiger Day
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Arbor Day
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A tree of many memories
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Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
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Silvereyes in South Korea
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Black bear cub emerging into spring
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Everglades National Park marks 90 years
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