Burrowing owl in Grand Teton National Park

While out searching for moose in Grand Teton National Park, I saw a medium-sized bird hop on a post alongside a field. I'd never seen a burrowing owl before and knew there'd only been a handful of sightings in the entire history of Jackson Hole, so it was quite a surprise, and I was thankful it was elevated to allow me to photograph it from within my car.

The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a unique outlier among raptors, known for nesting underground in abandoned burrows rather than in the canopy. While they are more common in the sagebrush seas of southern Wyoming, a sighting in the high-elevation valley of Grand Teton National Park is a noteworthy event. These small, long-legged owls are crepuscular, often active during the dawn and dusk hours, though they are frequently seen standing guard near their burrows or on elevated perches during the day. This individual, perched against the golden backdrop of the Teton grasslands, showcases the species' distinctive yellow eyes and white "eyebrows" that contribute to their intensely alert expression.

Capturing this rare visitor required a careful approach to avoid disturbing its hunting routine. By utilizing the car as a mobile blind, I was able to maintain a respectful distance while using a long focal length to compress the golden prairie grass behind the owl, creating a creamy, non-distracting background. This photograph is a prized choice for serious birders and collectors of unique Western wildlife moments. Whether printed on archival quality canvas or high-gloss metal, the sharp detail of the owl’s plumage and the warm, seasonal tones of the Jackson Hole valley are rendered with stunning depth and clarity.