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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Mardi Gras
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First Cliff Walk
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North Sea at sunset, Norddorf, Germany
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A day to take a moment
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World Teachers Day
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International Day of the Snow Leopard
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Combating extinction with citizen science
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Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
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Polar bear capital of the world
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Welcome to my neck of the woods
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Tegallalang terrace farms in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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The call of the wild in Alaska
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Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
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Hippo family in Chobe National Park, Botswana
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Arbor Day
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World Water Day
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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Dance of the egret
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Aw shucks, It s Oyster Day
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Dressed for winter fun
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Horse Head Rock, New South Wales, Australia
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Black Fell in England s Lake District
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International Surfing Day
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Iceland awaits the Yule Lads
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Ahh-tumn
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
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Wildebeest on the move
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Sunburst at Angkor
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Pollinator Week
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Pride Month
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