EOS R EF 400 DO I f5.6 1/1300 ISO 500
Noticed this burrow with sand flying high out of the entrance. I had to move left off the sun line because the sun was very low (about to touch horizon) and my own shadow(even though laying down) would have impinged on any image. I was laying there waiting to see if the digger would emerge. Up came a dog to my left drawn by the fountain of sand. One bark was all it took. This intense beauty popped out from the tunnel and started very low with the classic squinty stare. Then slowly rising in stature and relaxing the squint till the apex where it was reapplied. In one burst got the entire reaction. This was my favorite as it caught the low sun and the horizon in that eye as well as the finest feathers right at the eyes lower edge. These owls have so many very fine feathers around the eyes. The sand still caught in this diggers right eye hints at why.
As always, thanks for your very valued comments. Keep them coming, please.