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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Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
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Take the plunge into 2021
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Climb a tree for wild animals and plants
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Tall, taller, tallest
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International Roller Coaster Day
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It’s oh so quiet
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Polar bears
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Travel Sunday: On the Ganges in Varanasi, India
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Assembling the Smithsonian
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Into the woods
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Working for that cliffside view
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International Tiger Day
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Spotted Lake emerges
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Darwin Day
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Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
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Denali National Park
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Happy Thanksgiving
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Poinsettia Day
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Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park shines
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Glastonbury Festival begins
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Mooncake time
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Winter in the Wild West
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