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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A winter light show
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Oxbow Bend on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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Veterans Day
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In Texas, even the riverbend is big
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Brown pelican, San Diego, California
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The tale of squirrels like Nutkin
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Apple trees in spring, Germany
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Oymyakon, Russia
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Saint Andrews Day
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A bridge too Fawr
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World Elephant Day
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American goldfinch
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An aviation celebration
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Feast of the Donkey
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Earth Day and National Park Week
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Welcome to the pack
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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A peek at an explosive peak
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World Lizard Day
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National Mountain Climbing Day
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A hero for the 21st century
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75th anniversary of the Spruce Goose
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A long winter’s nap, perhaps?
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The Lena Delta Wildlife Reserve in Siberia, Russia
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Why, aloe there
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The Colosseum of Rome, Italy
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Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
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National Aviation Day
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World Architecture Day
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Float on
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