Immature Burrowing Owl on a stump in soft morning light
It was announced yesterday that the Burrowing Owl is the 2022 ABA Bird of the Year! Burrowing Owls are small, long-legged, sandy-colored, charismatic owls with bright yellow eyes.
Adult male Burrowing Owl on top of a grassy knoll
Burrowing Owls can be seen hunting during the day and are easily recognizable. Their preferred habitat includes deserts and grasslands throughout North, Central, and South America where they can blend into their habitat and hide in plain sight.
Sibling Burrowing Owl juveniles in the desert
Young Burrowing Owls are wonderful subjects to photograph and I have spent hours capturing their antics on Antelope Island State Park and in other locations in northern Utah. They can be playful, shy, curious, and downright funny.
Adult male Burrowing Owl watching over his burrow
Adult Burrowing Owls dig new burrows to nest in or take over the burrows of badgers, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and even tortoises. They will also nest in burrows created by humans.
On Antelope Island State Park Burrowing Owls nest in both natural burrows and burrows created by park staff and volunteers.
Adult female Burrowing Owl in the desert
Fully grown Burrowing Owls are about the same size as American Robins or a soda can. They are not large birds of prey.
Three Burrowing Owl juveniles next to a road
Burrowing Owls lay anywhere from two to 12 eggs which the females incubate. During the incubation period the male brings the female food.
These ground dwelling owls scatter animal dung at the entrance to their burrows which attracts beetles and other insects which the owls catch and eat without having to leave the safety of their burrows.
Adult Burrowing Owl lifting off from sage with the Great Salt Lake in the background
The adult owls are very protective of their burrow and their young. I’ve seen them chase other birds and small mammals away that got too close to their young.
Male Burrowing Owl in a windy spring morning
Burrowing Owls are hoarders and will cache prey in their burrows to get them through lean times. Their diet is variable and they will consume insects, small rodents, lizards and snakes.
Squinting juvenile Burrowing Owl
The young Burrowing Owls usually stick close to their burrows for protection but spend a lot of time exploring the world outside the nest.
Juvenile Burrowing Owl yawning next to a gnarly fence post
I adore photographing young Burrowing Owls as they learn to fly, learn to hunt, and interact with their siblings. There are times when I can’t help but laugh out loud when I am with these clowns of the desert.
Juvenile Burrowing Owl rousing on a water trough
Observing and photographing these small owls is always fun and entertaining. It is one of my favorite things to do during their breeding season.
Male Burrowing Owl adult watching over his young from a metal post
I am thrilled that the ABA Bird of the Year for 2022 is the Burrowing Owl and I know that I am looking forward to learning more about this enigmatic species throughout the new year.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Burrowing Owl photos plus facts and information about this species.
These Burrowing Owl photos were taken in Utah over the years. All images are new to my blog and my photo galleries.
Playing catch-up on your website today. The little guy in your first photo here simply delighted me! Thanks so much for your dedication and sharing your photos with us each day. Andrea
What a wonderful series of pics! Burrowing owls are such fascinating, brave, little guys. These images certainly bring them closer to home. Thanks Mia.
Were you able to read the band on the immature owl in your first photograph? These photos are charming!
I’m a big fan of these little guys! ❤️
I love them all, so cute.
Owls fascinate me. I just watched a documentary about Rocky Mountain National Park. There was a good segment about the Burrowing Owls that live in the Prairie Dog homes. You have a great series of photographs of the cute little guys. Their eyes are so intense. Looks as if 2022 will be the year of the Owls!
Owls fascinate me. I just watched a documentary
Thank you. I have a very, very soft spot for owls. Burrowing owls have certainly burrowed a permanent nest in my heart (though I will probably never get close to them than on my screen).
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU…for the bird of EVERY year!!! Not feeling much like,smiling lately but these funny little owls can always make me do it…👍
Mia, I want to thank you for all the photos of the Burrowing Owls and information about them. I have never seen them in the wild, but they may be hard to find. They are so sweet. Merry Christmas to you.
Thank you for so many wonderful photos of Burrowing Owls.