Great Horned Owl
Those distinctive tufts are not ears, but they sure look like them. These raptors of the night take prey as large as a grouse. I remember watching a pair silhouetted in the moonlight overlooking Alex Bay on Lopez Island. This carving was done out of a single piece of wood, and was a bit of a feat to accomplish. The owl is full size, about 22 inches from head to tail. The entire bird was detailed with a burning pen.
Barn Owl
This owl likes roosting in barns, especially where there are dark and hidden cavities. Hence, its name, the Barn Owl. The big dark eyes are great for night vision, and the large soft primaries serve to make its flight silent and undetectable to the rodent who will be its next meal. I've depicted this owl tipping its head and listening to the scurry of a mouse.
Snow Owl
The pattern for this bird was taken from a gorgeous specimen in the Banff Park Museum. The curator was gracious enough to take it out of its glass case, and allow me to sketch it. As I recall the event attracted numerous visiting tourists.
Screech Owl
This cute little friend of the forest is the smallest of its family. Their hooting on a moonlit evening reminds me that there is so much hidden beauty in nature. My inspiration came from a lovely specimen captured by a friend.
American Kestrel
This small and brightly colored falcon is a popular subject among bird artists. The Kestrel is possibly the most abundant bird of prey in North America. They can be spotted on telephone lines near empty fields, or perched up high, looking out for insects, small snakes, and mice.
Peregrine Falcon
Falcons appeal to me because their feathers are so crisp and well defined . They are built for speed, and they look like it.
Bald Eagle (on post)
This Bald Eagle is perched on a post, providing it with all kinds of options for display. My inspiration for carving this bird came from watching them on the shores of BC's Sunshine Coast. I recall being impressed by the unflinching confidence and dignity of a large bald eagle, as crows were persistently swooping down around him. Truly a magnificent monarch of the skies.
One of the things I like about these pieces is that the detailing was burned in, and the burn lines show through on the brown parts in the back.