Female Burrowing Owl on Antelope Island

 

Every spring, around April, I visit Antelope Island to watch and photograph a pair of Burrowing Owls. 

If I’m lucky, I might spot both the male and female, but on this particular day, only the female appeared. She waited patiently for her mate to return to their favorite spot.

At some point, the female grew bored and yawned—yes, owls can yawn too. It was a slow, drawn-out yawn.

After a while, she began to stretch, and she looked remarkably like a ballerina.

After preening, she shook herself vigorously and, in the blink of an eye, was transformed into a fluffy ball of feathers.

Generally, life is good.

The Burrowing Owls Have Arrived

The arrival of owls on Antelope Island is always a joyful event for me. This pair of Burrowing Owls are already in their usual place and are preparing to build a nest in the burrow.

When I arrived at their usual place, there were two of owls there, but soon one went hunting and was absent for a long time.  

Owls have such a quiet, still presence that seems to go on forever.  It’s as if they’re masters of waiting for the perfect moment.  They kind of feel wise, don't they?

Generally, life is good.

Burrowing Owls on the Rocks

 

Most owls are active at night, but Burrowing Owls are active during the day. These two were definitely active watching me with curiosity for some time.  

At some point, the owl in the background got tired of watching me and flew away to hunt.

Generally, life is good.

Burrowing Owls - III.

 

Burrowing owls are monogamous.  Pairs may remain for one breeding season or even mate for life. Occasionally, a male may have two mates.

The male usually tries to attract the female to suitable nest site and may use special courtship flights, calls and various ways of showing his affection. Then comes copulation.

Copulation.

Once mated, the male will locate a suitable tunnel (burrow), which he lines with dried plants and feathers. 

The female will lay a clutch of eggs, typically 9 and will incubate them for 3 to 4 weeks while the male guards the burrow entrance and fetches food. 

After hatching, both parents will feed the young owlets.

Generally, life is good.

Burrowing Owls - II. During Courtship

 

During courtship Burrowing owls engage in various behavior to strengthen the pair bond and show affection to each other. 

Owls don't kiss like humans, but sometimes express their affection in the way that closely resembles a kiss.  

During their "kiss" both owls closed their eyes and it was so touching.   

Generally, life is good.

Burrowing Owls - I.

 

This morning on Antelope Island was exceptional. I met a male and female Burrowing owls and stayed with them for almost two hours.

All this time, I watched with fascination as they preened, yawned, gave each other affection that was very reminiscent of a kiss and even their mating.

In the photo above is a female Burrowing owl, she was more active and often left the male alone, but not for long.

Sometimes the owls spent time together staying very close to each other.

The female Burrowing owl.

The male owl is stretching, making him look disheveled and a little funny.

Generally, life is good.  

 

Burrowing Owls on Antelope Island

 

Another day I spotted two Burrowing Owls and was excited to see them.  Unfortunately, the situation wasn't very desirable; the owls were far away.

Getting several sharp photos would be great but I didn't concentrate on it, I just photographed, waited for interesting moments that didn't take long time to arrive.

At some point the two owls ended up together and remained that way for quite some time. This was a priceless moment I dreamed of for a long time!

Generally, life is good!

Male Burrowing Owl on Antelope Island

Every time I was visiting Antelope Island I was always looking for Burrowing Owls but couldn't find them.  Today I finally met an adult male Burrowing Owl and spent with him almost an hour taking hundreds of photos.

The Owl wasn't very active, he was outside of his burrow enjoying the cool breezy morning.

The Burrowing Owl very often turned his head in different directions and at the same time checked if I was still there.

Today my dream to photograph a Burrowing Owl came true.  Generally, life is good!