Endangered Beauty . . . Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls were once widespread over western North America.  Populations have declined and in some cases disappeared due to the changes that humans have made to the owl's habitat. Federally listed as endangered or threatened in a number of states, they're considered a Species of Special Concern in California. Seventy to 80 percent of Burrowing Owls found in California reside year-round along irrigation canals in Imperial County.

The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society works to reverse the trend in their area:
Saving Burrowing Owls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z92FIFxO4cE

A Burrowing Owl family in action: 

http://m.youtube.com/watchv=4icW2RQEqSg&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D4icW2RQEqSg