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.