This gallery is devoted to the burrowing owls I have come to know and love in and around my neighborhood. Each has his or her own personality and is so unique. It is such a treasure to watch these creatures.
I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them and learning about these lovely pint-sized raptors.
Little Adi
The word Adi means jewel, or ornament. It is a fitting nickname. Little Adi is beautiful, bright and gentle. She is curious, comical, fiercely observant, and always on her toes.
Adi leaves an impression on everyone who observes her. She will not soon be forgotten.
Squawk
Seemingly the runt of the litter, little Squawk lives up to his name. As you can see in the pictures, there is nary a moment that he isn’t squawking loudly, making sure that everyone around him is well aware of his opinion… on everything! Always entertaining, Squawk certainly keeps things real.
Rusty
Rusty is the middle sibling. He is more laid-back and prefers dozing in the sunlight near the entrance of the burrow. He turns a deaf ear to his little sibling’s tantrums.
He’s just a softy at heart, though. When he is awake, he is often seen giving cuddles and reassurance to little Squawk.
Mr. Amarillo
Mr. Amarillo has amazing yellow eyes. He is father to Little Adi, Squawk, and Rusty. Sharp, focused and a bountiful provider, he is fiercely protective.
Luna
Luna is the matriarch of the family. Shy and graceful, she is an excellent teacher and a doting mother. Nothing escapes her notice.
The word Luna means moon. Fittingly, she seems to favor the late evenings and early twilight hours. You will often see Luna fluttering around chasing prey in the ethereal luminescence of the moonlight.
Other than seeing random puffs of sand as she carries out routine burrow maintenance, she is not seen as often as the other owls during the day. But make no mistake. She is ever present, attending to her growing family’s every need.
Luna just happens to be a bit of a shape-shifter, dancing in the shadows. I’m still searching for an opportunity to get a good photo of her!
More pictures of the owl family…
