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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Rising up from the black sand like rock gods
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Earth Day and National Park Week
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Dreaming of the Tyrrhenian Sea
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National Moon Day
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A horse of many colors
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Silbury Hill for International Archaeology Day
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Lake Magadi, Kenya
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Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
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Dance of the egret
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Giving Tuesday
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J.R.R. Tolkien Day
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Apple trees in spring, Germany
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In the path of the pronghorn
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Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
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Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands
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National Park Week begins
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The wild heart of Tasmania
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World Book Day
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A silent witness to history
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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Of moose and Maine
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Italy s submerged village
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Heavens Gate Cave, Tianmen Mountain National Park, China
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Purple flowers and Golden Week
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Hidden beauty in Thailand
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Splügen Pass, Switzerland
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Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York
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Sitka shines on Alaska Day
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World Parrot Day
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The moai you know
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

