A burrowing owl keeps watch near its burrow in Davie, Florida. They reuse dens dug by other animals, such as prairie dogs or badgers. Photo: Ronen Tivony.
My recent wildlife photograph—a burrowing owl standing guard near its burrow in Davie, Florida—was featured today in The Times’ News in Pictures (May 8, 2025).
As a wildlife photojournalist, I spend countless hours observing and documenting the quiet, compelling moments of animal life in their natural environments. This image of a burrowing owl is one of those moments. The owl was alert but calm, keeping watch over its nest site in typical sentinel fashion.
Burrowing owls are unique among owls for their ground-dwelling lifestyle. Rather than nesting in trees, they reuse abandoned burrows dug by animals like prairie dogs or badgers. In South Florida—where I do much of my wildlife photography—these owls have adapted to the edges of urban spaces, nesting in open lots, grassy fields, and even roadside patches.
As wildlife photography becomes an increasingly powerful tool for conservation and awareness, I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring attention to species like the burrowing owl. Seeing this image published in a major outlet like The Times reminds me why I do this work: to highlight the wild beauty that still surrounds us—and to inspire others to protect it.