Burrowing Owl

California Dreaming

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I have been very fortunate to photograph Burrowing Owls in several states, which have included California on that list. Understanding the habitat of these owls has allowed me to be more successful in locating them and shooting them. Here I was striving for something different. When I saw the owl perched and watching the ground intently, I knew he was on the hunt. The sun was rising quickly so I only had so much time to change my position and settle in waiting on the kill. I had dreamed of this shot, figuring the backlit owl would add additional drama. And just like that, it all happened, he pounced, grabbed his prey and flew off to deliver to his mate nearby.

 

Did you know that Burrowing Owls prefer burrows dug by prairie dogs, ground squirrels, badgers, marmots, skunks, armadillos, kangaroo rats, and tortoises. But in Florida and the Caribbean, they usually excavate their own burrows.

Done