A little one watches over us. DWARF OWL.

In addition to its incredible geographical beauty, Baja California Sur has a fauna that never ceases to amaze us.
Although we are used to seeing the great marine giants (whales) that visit us every year, and tourists are delighted to see them, we also want to introduce you to one of the region's most striking and little-known species.
Owls are one of the oldest bird species that exist; they are called "sentinels" as they are guardians of the earth and ecosystems.
They are characterized by being one of the most specialized species for nocturnal adaptations (not all are). They are great regulators of pests, so they have an important role in ecological balance.
In BCS, there are seven species of owls, but there is one that is characterized by being the smallest bird of prey in the world, and today we want to show it off to you; this is the DWARF OWL, which measures only 13 to 15 cm in height, its scientific name is MICRATHENE WHITNEYI, ORDER Strigiformes and belongs to the FAMILY of the Strigidae, it is also known as the elf owl, saguaro owl, dwarf owl or dwarf owl.
Regarding its physical appearance, the feathers on its body are thick, which gives it a somewhat swollen appearance. It has a mottled brown color, darker spots, and a brown pattern in the belly area. The area above the eyebrows has a white color that gives it a unique appearance, along with its yellow eyes. Its head is round, with no visible ears. The belly has a yellowish-greenish tone, which gives it a rather unique appearance.
It usually feeds on insects and arthropods. They are very acrobatic and agile birds when hunting.
If you want to see them, the best times are the last hours of light (dusk) and the first hours of daylight (dawn). Their habits are crepuscular.
They are usually monogamous; some couples stay together all their lives. During the day, they remain quiet in their nests, are in cavities like in cacti, and become active at night, hunting insects in flight.
If you are in Los Cabos and want to see this species, the best thing to do is to go to the Sierra de La Laguna, where you will be able to observe this owl and other species.
The Sierra de la Laguna is an actual living laboratory for biologists and all those who want to study and research animal and plant life and conservation. In addition to the owls, the Sierra de La Laguna is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna that fascinates visitors. With its mountainous and lush landscapes, this place is a refuge for many endemic species not found anywhere else in the world. The trails wind through pine and oak forests, offering adventurers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique natural environment.
An important fact is that the "El Refugio" Ranch, located in the town of Santiago, has been hosting the traditional "Owl Festival" for 7 years, where exhibitions, educational walks, and night sightings are held. The experience is highly recommended for all those who love conservation and care for the environment as our company, Luxury Vacation Rentals Private Villas Cabo San Lucas, does.
It is a significant practice for children and adolescents since they simultaneously come into contact with nature in an enjoyable and educational way. Assimilating knowledge from a different perspective, understanding the value of the conservation and care of our planet in all its aspects.
At LIFESTYLE, we are deeply committed to the conservation of the environment, both of our fauna and of the native flora. We will do our utmost to ensure that our residents and visitors are adequately informed about the actions we can take to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet while being aware that our fauna needs our respect and love so that we can all live together in harmony every day.