Monday Portrait Squared

Today is the 20th day of this month’s challenge, but did you know #SquaresRenew is also our 20th Squares challenge. I thought I’d celebrate with a very cute burrowing owl.

In many parts of the new world burrowing owl populations are in sharp decline; in Canada they are endangered, Mexico threatened and likewise in some US states. Unsurprisingly human activity (loss of habitat) is the primary reason for their decline. Although having said that, I’ve read that the populations in South America are doing exactly the opposite. They are ‘flourishing’ because of human activity; deforestation in the Amazon basin. Given the impact deforestation is having on other flora and fauna, and also the world’s climate I am not too sure how I feel about its positive impact on burrowing owls. Their burgeoning populations south of the equator however are giving me a way to include this shot in this month’s squares.