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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Land of the midnight sun
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Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
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Great Backyard Bird Count
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National Find a Rainbow Day
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World Oceans Day
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World Olive Tree Day
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Borovets ski resort in Bulgaria
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Behold the blood moon
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‘Ciao’ from Varenna
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Whatever floats your boat
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International Dark Sky Week
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Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
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World Bamboo Day
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Native American Heritage Day
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Bidding summer adieu
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A peek at an explosive peak
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Paro Tsechu Festival in Bhutan
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Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
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High seas commerce
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Kings of the Kalahari
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Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
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La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
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National Bird Day
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China s colorful terraced pools
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Presidents hear the echo of history
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National Park Week begins
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Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
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Hello, spring!
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Wilderness Act anniversary
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Santorini through the clouds