I took the drive down to Cape Coral on Sunday to photograph some Burrowing Owls. I hadn’t been in about 2 years as its about a 2 hour drive each way. I knew there would be some babies around which is why I chose now to go. The Florida burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) is a small, ground-dwelling bird, roughly 9 inches tall with bright yellow eyes, listed as a state-Threatened species. They live in open, treeless areas in central and southern Florida, often in residential lots, golf courses, and airports, where they dig their own burrows. Unlike many owls, they are diurnal (active during the day), especially during breeding season.

The Cape Coral Burrowing Owls have adjusted to development and often hunt in peoples front yards.

The eyes are beautiful. Most have the yellow eyes but some have a different pattern I will share later.

Small bird, big attitude.

Mom on guard near mouth of burrow.

Those yellow eyes!

Little fuzzy heads.

Another peek.

This burrow is surrounded by yellow flowers.

Mom popping out from below. Wait for it…

Different babies.

Baby fluff

 This baby Burrowing Owl is still growing it’s head feathers so looks a little scraggly.

Mom! I’m hungry!

Twins…

Mom found a feather…

Marched it over to the nest…

And fed it to the baby. Shrug???

Someone looks jealous.

Baby exploring

A little different eyes.

Among the yellow flowers.

Babies and yellow flowers

One more with the flowers.

Mom on guard.

Mosaic eyes-Some Burrowing Owls may carry recessive genes that produce the mosaic eye color other than bright yellow eye coloring. If two adults with these simple recessive genes mate, they could produce young with the color morph characteristic.

Green Iguana-I went down a road to get away from the main roads and ended up on an open lot by a canal. There were probably 20 iguanas out sunning.

One more eye coloring.

Burrowing Owl taking off from gutter. Being mobbed by a Common Grackle and a Northern Mockingbird.

Duck down low.

OK, I lied. One more owl closeup for the eyes.