The findings refute the theory that the birds’ skulls act like helmets, absorbing the shock of impact. Instead, they minimize it to strike harder.

But with developers and state wildlife managers opposed to a threatened listing even as its habitat disappears, the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl faces an uncertain future.

Smith and Soto talked with us about all things bird photography, including how they took the leap to chase after their passion.