Like clockwork

Every year, at this time of year, I have a work task to accomplish in the Bodega Dunes.  I walk through the same areas each time, and almost every year I see one of these:

 

I had heard that a few Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) had been seen on Bodega Head already this year, so I had my camera ready just in case...and then got lucky.

I also heard that a Burrowing Owl was observed along the Pomo Canyon Trail (near Shell Beach), so keep your eyes open for these charismatic grassland birds.

P.S.  For previous Burrowing Owls posts — see 2 March 2015, 6 February 2013, and 19 March 2012.