22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A Vigilant Burrowing Owl
A burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) stands vigilantly by its burrow at the edge of a prairie dog town in central Wyoming. Of the nineteen owl species in North America, this owl is the only one that lives and nests underground. Burrowing owls are active both during the day and night whereas most owls are more active at night. The delicate coloration of this little owl with its big lemon yellow eyes was greatly enhanced by the late afternoon sunlight.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 08.2024 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2024 |
Photo Location: | Casper, Wyoming, United States of America |
Camera: | Canon EOS R5 |
Copyright: | © Michael Schilling |