The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged, round bodied, native owl found in open landscapes of both North and South America. Southern CA photographers know them best from visiting the agriculture canals of Imperial Valley where Colorado River water is distributed to farmers via the Coachella Aqueduct.

When searching, look closely for the small pink flags that mark their burrows or keep an eye out for artificial burrows where conservation efforts are helping to stabilize the population.

        Burrowing owl, Imperial Valley, CA      Burrowing owl, Imperial Valley, CA

Burrowing owls are active during the day, although early mornings and later in the evening is a photographer’s best bet. In the spring you’ll find them feeding on large insects and small rodents in and near the many alfalfa fields. They mate in March and April but will be busiest feeding young in June and throughout the summer.

Note that temperatures in the Imperial Valley can be over 100 degrees at that time. You’ll be shooting from your car window with the engine turned off and without A/C. Flies are annoying also so use a repellent to ward them off.

Recently I had a spectacular opportunity to photograph burrowing owls from a blind on the Great Plains. Not only did I document breeding pairs, I was lucky to catch a few battles over territory also.

Burrowing owl, Wyoming

If you go, remember no photograph is worth the life of your subject. Stay in your car as to not disturb them. Distance from your vehicle to the owls can be as little as 20 feet. A zoom lens in the 150-600 range will allow you to capture some wonderful images.

Burrowing owl, Salton Sea, CA

         Salton Sea, CA      Burrowing owl, Salton Sea

Imperial Valley