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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Visiting the Mamanuca Islands for Fiji Day
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Autumn comes to Old Town
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Black History Month
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Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
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Who doesn’t love a ‘Puppy’?
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Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden
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Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
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The moon rises for Mid-Autumn Festival
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International Rock Day
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Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
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Kelp buddies
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Bathing huts in Skåne County, Sweden
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Patriot Day
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Take this for a spin...
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Celebrate Mandela Day
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Back on the rise
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Formal garden at Château de Villandry, Loire Valley, France
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Joshua Tree National Park
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Tombeau du Géant in Bouillon, Belgium
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Peach trees in Cieza, Murcia, Spain
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Irohazaka road
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International Mountain Day
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Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
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Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
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Deep in the North Woods wetlands
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Flamingos of the Chilean desert
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World Lion Day
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Vietnam’s new bridge deserves a big hand
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Aerial view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain
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An octagonal architectural treasure
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