21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
You talkin' to me?

The Aruban burrowing owl, locally named "shoco," is critically endangered because of urban overdevelopment and the introduction, by humans, of invasive snake species to the island. This owl and its lifetime mate chose the most unusual place to burrow: a public beach of a resort, right by a main road. Perched on top of a beach chickee on the lookout for predators, it gave me this look that showed how much character this small bird packed!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Aruba
Copyright: © Arie Katz