Small But Mighty
Burrowing Owls stand only about 7-10 inches tall. They arrive in Colorado in the spring, and commonly move into prairie dog colonies, where they claim an abandoned burrow. In recent years they have been a threatened species, since much of their natural habitat has been obliterated. This female Burrowing Owl and her mate have taken up residence in the Coyote Ridge Natural Area west of Fort Collins. In recent weeks seven owlets have been spotted emerging from the burrow. Mama is pictured here with a just-captured rodent, a feast for her new family.