THE
MOUNTAINEERS

These three borrowing owl siblings were standing at the edge of their burrow waiting for their parents to return with prey. Burrowing owls hunt in daylight, so are often easier to see than nocturnal owls. Their burrow was actually under the road, but is no longer occupied. Unfortunately, much of the owl habitat has been irrigated and taken over for crops, and their numbers are decreasing.

This image was taken in late May on Frenchman Hills Road west of Dodson Road, Desert Wildlife Area in central Washington.

Nikkor 600mm lens