An adult burrowing owl emerges from its burrow at sunset in Davis, California, USA

© Neil Losin/Tandem Stills + Motio

Owl be seeing you

This bright-eyed owl is emerging from its burrow just in time to enjoy the sunset here on the USA’s west coast. And yes, you read that right; burrowing owls nest and roost underground, often in tunnels abandoned by other Californian natives like ground squirrels. 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 try to frighten off predators by mimicking the rattling and hissing sounds of a rattlesnake. And while most other owls sleep during the day, burrowing owls are often active then. It’s as if they didn’t finish proper owl training.