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Young Burrowing Owl Trio

Young Burrowing Owl triplets watching in unison with their big eyes as a red-tailed hawk flies by. Hawks are predators for young owls, so these owlets are nervous, and a few seconds later they will climb half-way down into the safety of their burrow, still watching with just their heads poking out. These are three of six siblings that were born in this burrow; the others are busy elsewhere. They are young owls, still being taken care of by their parents, but beginning to hunt bugs on their own.

Burrowing owls are born underground in burrows, often these are burrows built by prairie dogs. They are excellent parents, bringing food to their babies until the young ones are hunting bugs for themselves, and even afterwards for a while.

The adults have barred chests; the babies start getting these barring marks as they get a little older. Baby burrowing owls can be very entertaining to watch as they run and jump and play with each other!

Photo taken on July 6, 2020, near Greeley, Colorado.