The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is North America’s only raptor that nests underground. There are local and spotty populations here in SW Florida, with habitat loss being the greatest threat to these small owls. Nine inches tall, with a wingspan of 21 inches, Burrowing Owls are diurnal, and can be spotted sitting atop or near […]
Tag: Burrowing Owl
The Yellow-billed Magpie is a California Endemic
The Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) is a true California endemic species. They are found primarily in the Central Valley, the southern Coast Ranges, and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where they prefer oak savannah habitat. A member of the Corvidae family, Yellow-billed Magpies eat mostly ground dwelling invertebrates but will partake of carrion, and […]
Best Photo of the Week Ended 01 Sep 2012
We are pleased to announce the winners of our most recent “Best Photo of the Week” Competition. Maria Firpi wins First Prize for her artistic creation “The Great White Egret”. Jerry Curtis wins Second Prize with “Having Fun” and Jefferson R. de O. e Silva Third Prize with “Burrowing Owl”. See images below with links […]
Burrowing Owl Time
There are several places in Florida that in February each yearthe burrowing owls return to and nest. Their nests are burrows mostly borrowed from other animals such as praire dogs and the like. The adults are 7-11 inches tall, only slightly larger than an American Robin. Males and females are similiar in size and appearance, […]
California’s Largest Burrowing Owl Population Is in Rapid Decline
Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) are listed as endangered in Canada and threatened in Mexico. They are considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be a “Bird of Conservation Concern” at the national level, in three USFWS regions, and in nine Bird Conservation Regions. They are also listed as endangered in Minnesota, threatened […]
Juvenile Burrowing Owl Portrait
Just a simple portrait of a juvenile Burrowing Owl taken in the soft light of dawn. Burrowing Owls are beautiful birds with lemony yellow eyes, downy soft feathers and subtle coloration. It’s hard to believe that they aren’t that much different in size from an American Robin. OnTheWingPhotography.com