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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April Fools Day
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World Book Day
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Oktoberfest begins
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Back on the rise
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The Feathers at Frenchman Coulee near Vantage, Washington
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Let’s have a ball
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A day to celebrate the sun
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Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
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Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
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And they’re off!
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Cinco de Mayo
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Deep in the North Woods wetlands
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Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
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Is this Minecraft headquarters?
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Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, India
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Life goes on at the Beatles Ashram
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Honoring our fallen heroes
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Arambol Beach, Goa, India
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Nothing plain about it
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Castle ruins on the island of Halki, Greece
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Spread some love with Bing
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Oh, happy day!
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Back to the nest
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Windmills in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands
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Bridge of Hillsborough County
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Its Halfway Day!
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Women s History Month
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Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
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Wild garlic in bloom at Hainich National Park, Germany
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Up on the glacier