Three Burrowing Owl juveniles Three Burrowing Owl juvenilesNikon D200, f8, 1/200, ISO 320, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited.

If you have never had the opportunity to photograph Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) juveniles I would suggest you find a burrow and be prepared to laugh yourself silly. The adult Burrowing Owls are gorgeous but they seem slightly less animated than the juveniles.

The three juveniles above were having a group preening session.

Juvenile Burrowing Owl parallaxingJuvenile Burrowing Owl parallaxing – Nikon D200, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 250, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited.

Juvenile Burrowing Owls appear to parallax more than the adults, twisting, turning and bobbing their heads. There are times that the juvies look so funny it is difficult to hold the camera and lens still because of laughing.

Juvenile Burrowing Owl parallaxingJuvenile Burrowing Owl parallaxing – D200, f7.1, 1/750, ISO 250, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited.

They can almost turn their heads upside down.

Yawning juvenile Burrowing OwlYawning juvenile Burrowing Owl – D200, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 200, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited.

They yawn.

Winking Burrowing Owl juvieWinking Burrowing Owl juvie – D200, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 200, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

And they wink.

Burrowing Owl Funny FaceBurrowing Owl Funny Face – D200, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 200, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

They can make the funniest faces.

Ferocious looking adult Burrowing OwlFerocious looking adult Burrowing Owl – D200, f7.1, 1/350, ISO 250, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

At times the adults watching over the juveniles can even look ferocious!

Grooming juvenile Burrowing OwlGrooming juvenile Burrowing Owl – D200, f7.1, 1/750, ISO 250, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

Look for interesting poses when the juveniles groom.

If you need a laugh watching these juveniles for a period of time will provide it, I can almost guarantee that. I’ll write more on this species another time.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Burrowing Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.

As for owls and other nesting birds or young chicks please:

  • don’t harass, molest, get too close or disturb them
  • being too close can often prevent the adults from feeding the chicks
  • be aware that your presence could attract predators
  • respect local, state and federal laws concerning wildlife
Save the Owls Project