Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Shoco's burrow

The Aruban burrowing owl, locally known as "shoco," is critically endangered because of urban overdevelopment and the introduction, by humans, of invasive snake species to the island. This owl and her lifetime mate chose the most unusual place to burrow: a public beach of a resort, right by a main road. Sadly, their chances of securing their offspring's survival are low.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Aruba
Copyright: © Arie Katz