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
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Wahclella Falls, Oregon
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Marine Day in Japan
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Farmers Day
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Once upon a midafternoon dreary…
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Manatee Awareness Month
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A plot was afoot
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Lucian Blaga National Theater, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Porto Timoni beach, Greece
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Winter in Old Nuuk
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Goodbye, 2020!
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Seville, Spain
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Of balloons and lost pantaloons
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Bellissima!
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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
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Pride Month
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Astronomy Day
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A star blows a bubble
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Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
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A personal collection becomes an institution
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Birds of a feather
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Big Bend National Park turns 78
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Mid-Autumn Festival
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Exploring the wilder side of New York
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Welcome to the Hoh
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Why does this panda cub look so happy?
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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International Jazz Day
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Wildebeests in Maasai Mara, Kenya
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Glacial spires in the fog
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Freeloaders of the avian world