Boreal owl 14 Dec 2023

In North America"s coniferous forests lives a tiny bird of prey—the boreal owl. The small, brown, and white flecked raptor is shy and evasive around humans, keeping it well hidden from our view. Despite its compact size, it is a formidable hunter, feeding on small mammals, voles and birds. They have a preference for dense forest environments but are known for their adaptability and have been observed in various habitats, including mountainous regions. With dark plumage and expressive eyes, it strikes a captivating figure in the moonlit canopy, intriguing bird enthusiasts and researchers.

© Nick Saunders/Minden Pictures

palette

Today in History

On the edge
14 Dec 2024Christmas Bird Count turns 125
14 Dec 2025Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England

More Desktop Wallpapers:

6 Aug 2025Ring-tailed lemur
Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
30 Apr 2026Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands
Were halfway there
23 Sep 2023Autumnal equinox
25 Aug 2025Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
A blue-tiful island
Rising with the sun
9 Jun 2025Old City of Dubrovnik in Dalmatia, Croatia
3 Dec 2025Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA
18 Aug 2024The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
A view that’s out of this world
Where is this ethereal mountain?
A world within a world
3 Jul 2024World Meerkat Day
A braided river
An architectural masterpiece fit for a king
Beautiful Borovets
7 Jan 2024Great Staple Tor, Dartmoor National Park
4 May 2025Star Wars Day
19 Jan 2026Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
14 Apr 2026Common clownfish, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
24 Sep 2023World Rivers Day
14 Feb 2025Happy Valentines Day!
18 Mar 2026Pacific Rim Whale Festival
A future built on the past
24 Jul 2024Cousins Day
30 Jul 2024Friendship Day
12 Jul 2026Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, United States
Turtle-y nice day for a swim