I am happy to share that my photograph of Burrowing owlets in Davie, Florida, has received a PPAGLA Award of Excellence in the 2025 contest. Furthermore, having this image selected by the distinguished panel of judges from the San Francisco Chronicle is a significant honor.
The Story Behind the Shot: Burrowing Owlets in Davie, Florida
I captured this winning image on May 7, 2025, in Davie, Florida. Specifically, the photograph features Burrowing owlets huddled at the entrance of their underground burrow. While these small owls stand only 7 to 9 inches tall, they are remarkably fierce and capable hunters.
Capturing this “Award of Excellence” moment required significant patience and fieldcraft. Consequently, the final image reveals the intense personality and survival instincts of these small raptors. Because these owls live underground, they remain a “bucket list” subject for many wildlife photographers visiting Florida.
Photographing Florida’s Underground Raptors
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is one of Florida’s most compelling wildlife subjects. However, photographing them effectively takes more than just high-end gear. It requires patience and a deep respect for their protected status. Unlike most owls, they are active during the day and nest in burrows they dig themselves.
Properly exposing their delicate feathers while capturing their sharp, yellow-eyed gaze requires technical excellence. As a certified Florida Master Naturalist, I focus on documenting these behaviors without disturbing the birds.
The Unique Appeal of the Burrowing Owl
These small, ground-dwelling owls offer a rare mix of personality and storytelling potential. Consequently, a strong image of Florida burrowing owls often stands out in professional competitions, global publications, and conservation-focused portfolios. This accessibility allows photographers to document a species that is as charismatic as it is vulnerable.
Why Florida Burrowing Owls Stand Out
Florida burrowing owls are unusual because they live underground instead of in trees. Additionally, they often remain active during the daylight hours, especially throughout the breeding season. This unique behavior provides photographers with the chance to capture expressive eye contact and intimate, low-angle portraits. These authentic moments often feel more personal than traditional bird photography.
Furthermore, the most powerful images reveal more than just a bird sitting on a mound. For example, the best shots showcase specific postures, environments, and social behaviors. Whether the owl is guarding its burrow, hunting, or interacting with a mate, these actions create a narrative. By focusing on these behavioral details, you can produce “editorial-grade” imagery that truly resonates with your audience.
What Judges Notice
Award-winning wildlife images usually combine sharp focus, strong composition, and visible behavior. With burrowing owls, that often means a low angle, clean background, and a moment that feels emotionally alive rather than posed.
A successful frame may include:
A direct glance or alert posture.
A chick, mate, or burrow interaction.
A natural environment that shows habitat context.
Clean light that separates the owl from the background.
The strongest images are often the ones that tell a small but complete story in a single frame.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Burrowing Owls
Where can I photograph Burrowing Owls in Florida? Florida burrowing owls are frequently found in open, grassy areas with low-growth vegetation. Specifically, cities like Davie, Cape Coral, and Marco Island are renowned for their active owl populations. However, photographers must always maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing these protected birds or their burrows.
What is the best time of year to photograph Burrowing Owls? The best time to capture these birds is during the nesting season, which typically runs from February through July. During this period, the owls are more active during the day as they hunt for food and guard their owlets. Consequently, this window offers the best opportunities for capturing dynamic family interactions and hunting behaviors.
How do I identify a Florida Burrowing Owl? You can identify a Burrowing Owl by its small size, usually 7 to 9 inches, and its bright yellow eyes. Unlike most owls, they have long legs and lack ear tufts. Additionally, you will usually spot them standing on the ground near the entrance of their burrows rather than perched high in trees.
About Ronen Tivony
Ronen Tivony is a professional wildlife photojournalist and the founder of Wildlife With Ronen, LLC. With over 33 years of experience as a wire news photographer, Ronen’s work has appeared in leading global publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Atlantic.
Furthermore, Ronen is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS) and a Certified Florida Master Naturalist. This unique combination of technical mastery and ecological knowledge allows him to lead world-class photography workshops. Specifically, Ronen specializes in Sony Alpha mirrorless systems, helping photographers of all levels master the art of capturing complex animal behaviors and birds in flight. Through his workshops and tours, he remains dedicated to visual storytelling that promotes the conservation of the natural world.