Of the many bird species I’ve photographed, Burrowing Owls by far show the most “personality”. Their repertoire of silly antics, funny poses, stretches, yawns and grooming behaviors are a photographers dream. And once they feel comfortable in your presence they will often allow you to photograph them for a very long time without flying off or retreating to their burrow. But you have to find them first…
The antics of juveniles are even more exaggerated than those of adults. Most of the images I will present here are of juveniles. Some of the shots were taken in less than ideal conditions (harsh light, shadows, clutter) but I think they illustrate the goofball personalities of these birds well.
Giving the photographer a suspicious look
It’s difficult to resist being anthropomorphic (ascribing human emotion or motivation to non-human species) when it comes to Burrowing Owls so I won’t even try. This juvenile looks very suspicious of me but in reality I suspect that it was only curious.
Wing-stretch with lifted foot, or “They went that-a-way!”
Topsy turvy owl
Juveniles practice their parallax skills regularly. It involves bobbing and twisting their heads so their eyes can view an object (in this case me) from different positions. This allows them to better determine distance to that object. I’m sure it’s serious business for the owls but to us it can sure look silly. And adorable.
Reaction to sudden and unexpected rain
One sunny and hot August morning I was photographing a pair of juveniles when a single cloud passed overhead and it started to rain. The reaction of these birds to the sudden raindrops was simply hilarious to watch. At first they looked up in seeming surprise as if to say “Whoa, what was that?” Then they spread their wings to apparently enjoy their cool, brief shower. The second juvenile is just out of frame to the left.
Ecstasy
Then the birds seemed to go into ecstasy over the rain. They crouched down on the perch, spread their wings and tails, lowered their heads, closed their eyes and literally trembled and shook. I suspect it was just bathing instinct taking over but it sure looked like more than that and was very entertaining to watch. I love this look at the long “eyelashes” and interesting eyelids.
Grooming pose
You never know what interesting or appealing pose you may catch a Burrowing Owl in while it’s preening (grooming). It usually happens very fast and I often don’t even know what I’ve captured until I get home and review the images. Sometimes there’s a pleasant surprise, as in this image.
One legged wing stretch
Juveniles do a lot of stretching – some of it very creative.
Sibling contrasts
The youngster on the right could barely stay awake. I must have bored him/her. Its sibling was fascinated by me however.
It’s only a yawn
While this bird may look threatening, even angry, in reality it was simply overcome by a yawn as it was checking me out from close range. This image has some flaws but I’ve always liked it anyway.
The weirdest pose of all
The image above is obviously not a quality shot as I had very harsh light but I decided to include it here anyway because this is the strangest pose I’ve seen from a Burrowing Owl. This bird literally sat down on its rump with its tail hanging down behind the perch and parallaxed me for quite a while. It makes me smile every time I see this image and remember this endearing bird.
Great pose, different angle
As you’ve seen, Burrowing Owls make great subjects. But they can be frustrating too – especially when they turn their backs on you to perform for the camera. I thought this would be an appropriate image to “end” with.
Ron
Ron, you have a fabulous knack for capturing our fine feathered friends! The Burrowing Owls are truly the “clowns” of the bird world. You have brought some laughter into my world this afternoon. Thanks Ron! 😎
Annie 😎
I opened the link. THANK YOU!!!
Absolument MA GNI FIQUE !!!!!!!!!félicitations
Amicalement
I love your photos as I am an owl lover as well. How do you get such great shots in the middle of the day as I only hear our owls after dark?
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Frankie. Burrowing Owls aren’t strictly nocturnal like many owl species so they’re often active during daytime.
I absolutely love owls. These are fantastic pictures. How fortunate you are to witness these amazing characters.
amazing photos! made me smile! don’t be so critical of your work…it truly is outstanding! love these creatures too!
Absolutely fantastic photos!
Would you mind if I included one or two of your images in a PowerPoint presentation on burrowing owl management at the 4th International BUOW Conference in Pasco, WA in early February? I am sure the audience would appreciate your work and I will most certainly give you credit for your images. Take care, Sandra
Thank you, Sandra. I’ve emailed you with my reply.
This is a fantastic series of shots – they truly are endearing creatures. Thank you for sharing your photographs.
Thanks Alana. And yes, endearing is the perfect word for this species – especially the juveniles.
Thank you Caitlin. I’m a retired teacher myself and I’m delighted that you used my owl photos in your class. My best to your students!
My 6th grade students are reading the book Hoot, and I shared your photos with them to show them the beauty of these little owls. They are better understanding why they need protected. Beautiful pictures of a rather adorable subject. Thank you!
Thank you M. Luna Iris. You and I attend the same “church”.
Wow, Ron. Beautiful images. My idea of religion is the beauty of nature and you have so touchingly conveyed the spirit of so many animals here. Perfect for a Sunday morning! Thanks for sharing.
I saw many pictures of owls on the internet, but your pictures are my favorite! Love them!
These photos are beautiful love them
Very nice images,
Your photos are absolutely spectacular. I’m going to visit Antelope Island next week. I only pray I see some of the sites you have so poigantly captured on film. I am more than impressed.
Ron, I came across your fabulous Burrowing Owl photos today, and I had to drop a note to say how beautiful your work is. You’ve really captured their personalities, plus top notch exposures. I love those owls!
A terrific collection of fun images. It is quite rewarding to get so much variety.
Informative and entertaining on both of the owl postings with top notch pictures, great stuff Ron, very professional.
Jim
One fine image after another.
Ron-what a crack up! Outstanding entertainment…and super photos all. Congrats