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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Leopard at Etosha National Park, Namibia
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Summertime in Alaska
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World Migratory Bird Day
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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A personal collection becomes an institution
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National Poinsettia Day
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Mount Hamilton, near San Jose, California
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Honoring our fallen heroes
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Happy Presidents Day
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Children at play for International Day of Friendship
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Springtime in the Mediterranean
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Time for brass bands and beer
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Flock online for the Great Backyard Bird Count
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Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
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Bản Giốc–Detian Falls, Vietnam
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Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
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Reflecting on one of the world s strangest rivers
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Azaleas blooming on Hwangmaesan Mountain, South Korea
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The ‘Night of Nights’
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Exploring the wilder side of New York
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Celebrating the UN’s International Day of Families
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Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
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A glittering diamond in the rough
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Siblings Day
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Big Bend National Parks birthday
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National Park Service Founders Day
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Monarch butterflies, Pismo Beach, California
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Park of the Monsters, Bomarzo, Italy
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Autumn’s swan song
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Union Square, Manhattan
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