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Burrowing owl reclaims its summer home from the Easter Bunny

April 9, 2023 by Tony

Burrowing owl reclaims its summer home from the Easter Bunny
A burrowing owl confronts an intruding rabbit. (Tony’s Takes)

There is nothing worse than returning from wintering in the south and finding a squatter has taken over your home!

A very fun scene to watch play out. The owl was hanging out at this burrow, calling to its mate. The noise grabbed the interest of the rabbit and it cautiously kept hopping closer and closer until the owl noticed it and took a defensive posture.

Most owls will do just as this little guy is doing – throw its wings out and forward and puff up to help make itself look more intimidating to a potential threat. Of course, with as small as burrowing owls are, it is tough to take them too seriously. The rabbit wasn’t too concerned and seemed to be a bit perplexed as to what the owl was so mad about.

I have been anxiously awaiting the return of the burrowing owls this year and today I finally saw my first of the season. Two separate pairs were spotted and I am sure more will be arriving in the coming weeks. This was just what I needed as I feel like I have been in a bit of a ‘photo funk’ of late, not getting any pics that inspired me or got me excited. This is definitely one of my personal favorite pics of burrowing owls that I have ever taken.

Video slideshow – Top Shots 2022: Owls

December 26, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

As I do every year, I close things out with recap videos of some of the cool photo subjects I have photographed during my photo year (Oct – Sep). Kicking things off, let’s go with a subject everyone loves – owls! I was fortunate to photograph five species of owls during the period from the diminutive burrowing owl and eastern screech owl to bigger long eared owls, a short eared owl (captive) and great horned owls. Enjoy the show and keep an eye out for a new slideshow each day through the end of the year.

Burrowing owl stretches out

November 10, 2022 by Tony

Burrowing owl stretches out
A burrowing owl stretches its wings while perched on a stake. (Tony’s Takes)

Keeping a family of at least seven little owlets fed and happy is a lot of work and does not allow for much downtime. Just like human parents, they have to make the most of those breaks when they can, even if it is just a brief moment stretching its wings out on a stake.

Such was the case this past July 4th when I spent some time photographing this guy and his family. This was a bit of a down year for burrowing owls for me. I did not find many nests and those that I did were farther than what is really required to capture decent pics. On this day, dad took mercy on me and perched closer than normal, allowing me a few nice shots.

Whoa! That is one HUGE bird!

August 4, 2022 by Tony

Whoa! That is one HUGE bird!
A burrowing owl looks skyward at a passing airplace. (Tony’s Takes)

Whoa! That is one HUGE bird! No, not this little burrowing owl but the big airplane that was flying over and clearly caught the owl’s attention. Those eyes were absolutely huge as it focused on and tracked the metal bird’s path through the sky. Another entertaining moment with these fun little ones.

Burrowing owl owlet stretches its wings

July 14, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

Burrowing owl owlet stretches its wings
A burrowing owl owlet stretches its wings above its head. (© Tony’s Takes)

Ounce for ounce, you would be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining creature in the animal kingdom than burrowing owls, particularly the owlets. Even when they are just hanging out at home, they can provide some fun shots like this one. This owlet hasn’t quite fledged yet but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel the need to stretch those wings. Here, it tucks them up over its head, making for a cute capture.

A very focused burrowing owl up close

July 9, 2022 by Tony

A very focused burrowing owl up close
A very focused burrowing owl up close. (© Tony’s Takes)

You haven’t seen many pics of these guys this year from me as most of my usual hot spots have gone cold. Thankfully, a friend has been out doing some scouting and found a few nests in different areas.

At this one, there are at least eight owlets, soon to fledge. While parked and watching them, dad decided he wanted a closer look at the photographer and landed on a post not 20 feet away.

He was quite comfortable with me, sitting for quite a while and, for the most part, ignoring me. At one point he did give me a direct look allowing this fun close up.

When you know it is Monday but refuse to come out and deal with it

April 25, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

When you know it is Monday but refuse to come out and deal with it
A burrowing owl cautiously peers out from its home on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)

This burrowing owl reflects how I am feeing about the start of the workweek. Can’t we just go back to the weekend? 😉 Thus far it has been pretty slim pickings on finding these little guys this spring. Those I have found are extraordinarily shy and a good ways off. Hopefully I can find some better spots in the coming weeks.

Look hoohoo is back!

April 10, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

Look hoohoo is back!
A burrowing owl hanging out at its summer home. (© Tony’s Takes)

A fantastic photo outing this morning and one of the highlights was certainly seeing the first burrowing owl of the season. It was a loner but definitely a sign of the little ones returning for the summer. They are so stinking cute and thoroughly entertaining, definitely one of my favorites.

A burrowing owl hunkers down at its home. (© Tony's Takes)
A burrowing owl hunkers down at its home. (© Tony’s Takes)
A burrowing owl hanging out at its summer home. (© Tony's Takes)
A burrowing owl hanging out at its summer home. (© Tony’s Takes)

Video slideshow: Top shots 2021 – Owls

December 29, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Owls hold a special fascination for many and for good reason. Most are nocturnal and professionals at staying hidden during the day so they aren’t easily seen. As a photographer, it is quite challenging to photograph the. This past photo year I was able to photograph three species: Long eared owls, great horned owls and burrowing owls.

I struggled a bit with the great horned owls, more than usual, but found some worthy subjects and the burrowing owls gave me some nice flights shots, something which I have struggled with in the past. I hope you enjoy this look back at my favorite captures of 2021 of these mysterious creatures.

The last burrowing owl of the season?

August 18, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

The last burrowing owl of the season?
A juvenile burrowing owl paying close attention. (© Tony’s Takes)

It is quite possible this young one from Saturday is the last one that I will photograph this year. With this cutie being the only exception, all others at the nests I have spent watching have grown up and dispersed, some likely already starting their migration south for the winter.

Although I did not spend quite as much time photographing them this year, it did seem to be a good one for the little owls. They established their summer homes near the usual spots I find them and all but one of the nests had babies and successfully fledged them.

I do still have tons of pics to share of them from previous outings and will be anxiously awaiting next spring when they return.

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