Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A female Northern Pygmy-Owl returns to her nest after being fed by her mate.

A pair of Northern Pygmy-Owls were feeding young in a Sycamore cavity. The female would leave the nest, with nestlings, to be fed by the male after the sun had warmed up the bugs and lizards for him to catch. After feeding, she would return to the nest as he continued to hunt and then bring prey to the young. I was hoping to anticipate her return and capture her approaching and extending her "landing gear" right at the nest entrance. Mission accomplished.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2021
Date Uploaded: 07.2021
Photo Location: Near Green Valley, Arizona, Arizona, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Jim Burns