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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Cheese! We ll go somewhere where there s cheese!
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What happened to these clouds?
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World Laughter Day—it s a hoot
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A dying breed of tree thrives in an American park
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Pascua Florida Day
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Hippo family in Chobe National Park, Botswana
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Wake up, it s Darwin Day
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It s Computer Science Education Week
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Taiwan yuhinas in Alishan National Scenic Area
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International Day of Friendship
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Where the bearded reedling sings
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Point Reyes National Seashore
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Mute swan
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Great on so many levels
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GOAL!
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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International Day of Mangrove Conservation
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Salzburg, Austria
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival
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Let us introduce you…
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Brown bears, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
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The Bahamas as seen from the ISS
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Aura River in Turku, Finland
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In memory of those lost
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Burrowing owls
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The Wall for Peace
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World Space Week begins
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A long path to freedom
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Native American Heritage Month
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Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand