Burrowing Owls!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

Cross posted from the photography Forum.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1036132550


I spent some time in the desert chasing burrowing owls this month. Most of these images were captured at the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge at the Salton Sea. Their eyes are hypnotic. I drove four hours in 105° heat to get these shots.

[Mousetoescamper]

1. A splendid collection!

Thanks for cross-posting here!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

2. Thank you!

[10 Turtle Day]

3. Beautiful photos!

Burrowing owls are so cute and different from other owls with their long legs burrowing in the ground. I saw a video a while ago that showed how they make a sound just like rattlesnake rattle to ward off predators. Was wondering whether you heard that? Regardless, your photographs really capture their essence. Thank you for sharing them. The heat must have been brutal. I’m glad it (or rattlesnakes) didn’t take you down!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

5. Yes, we did hear that warning call.

I would describe it as a loud clucking sound. They used it to warn the little ones to get back inside the burrow. It's very loud and distinctive.

Fortunately we didn't encounter any rattlers, but I'm sure they were all over the place. The heat was brutal, so we never strayed far from our vehicles.

Thanks for the kind words.

[cyclonefence]

4. Fantastic photos

Thanks so much for posting them.

I'm grateful for all the DUers who birdwatch and then share their pictures with us--so many birds I'd heard of--like your owls--but never would see in my lifetime--and photos of species I'd had no idea even existed. A real delight for this backyard bird fan!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

6. Thank you!

If anyone had told me ten years ago that I was going to become a birdwatcher I wouldn't have believed it. Now I'm addicted.

I also have some shots of great horned owls and a few of some barn owls. I'll try to post those too. I even grabbed a few roadrunner shots, but they weren't very good. Those little critters are fast. LOL!