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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International Day for Biological Diversity
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A peak in the clouds
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A wild and scenic scene
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Acadia transformed
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Dragon dance performed in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China
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Protecting wildlife today and tomorrow
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Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
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Amur leopard cat, Russia
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Moai statues on Easter Island, Chile
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Its Halfway Day!
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Wanderin Wawayanda
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Squirrel Appreciation Day
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World Penguin Day
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Everglades National Park turns 75
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A long winter’s nap, perhaps?
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An enduring vision
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Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
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The crossroads of empires
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Tortula moss, Netherlands
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Milwaukee City Hall, Wisconsin
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Happy Star Wars Day!
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World Whale Day
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National Panda Day
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Château de Villandry, France
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Pamukkale, Turkey
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Black History Month
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Giant kelp in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
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Chestnut-headed bee-eaters, Bardia National Park, Nepal
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International Day of Forests
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Red skies at Ruby Beach
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

