The Faces of a Burrowing Owl

i Mar 29th No Comments by

Authored by Bob Oberfelder

A recent trip to Phoenix Arizona provided an opportunity for my wife and I to check out the Burrowing Owls at Zanjero Park. This was one of several places that we birded, and future posts will display our sightings in those other locations. The park is an unassuming place with about a mile of horse trails and a walking/bicycling path as well. It has been made into habitat for Burrowing Owls by installing pipes in the ground (along the walking/bicycling trail) that serve as burrows for the owls. Since the owls are diurnal, they are visible throughout the day. According to the locals, at least a few owls can typically be seen throughout the day. We were there in the early afternoon and saw two that were lounging in front of their burrows. There appear to be at least 50 burrows, but I do not know how many are occupied. We viewed these owls from about 15 feet away and they did not seem to be disturbed by our presence. These owls are small, with a total height of 9.5 inches but they were kind of sitting down so they were probably only about 7 inches tall. The noonish light was probably not ideal, but we thoroughly enjoyed being able to see and photograph them.

The entrance sign to this park which sits right next to the 202 Loop Highway.
The entrance sign to this park which sits right next to the 202 Loop Highway.
One of the Burrowing Owls standing in front of the artificial burrows. There were probably 50 or so burrows and they were not far apart. Some were only 4-5 feet apart. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
One of the Burrowing Owls standing in front of the artificial burrows. There were probably 50 or so burrows and they were not far apart. Some were only 4-5 feet apart. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The "I'm not worried" pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The “I’m not worried” pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The "I've got my eye on you" pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The “I’ve got my eye on you” pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The "You will blink first" pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The “You will blink first” pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The "I see you" pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The “I see you” pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The "You don't see me, I am invisible pose." The legs and chest are facing forward, but the head is turned 180 degrees around. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The “You don’t see me, I am invisible pose.” The legs and chest are facing forward, but the head is turned 180 degrees around. Photo by Robert Oberfelder.
The "I'm getting some rays" pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder
The “I’m getting some rays” pose. Photo by Robert Oberfelder