The following pictures are all from the World Trust Owl Centre at Muncaster Castle on September 9th in the late afternoon after a busy day filled with hiking and exploring the castle. At the end of my day I walked around the owl yard and sketched a little…I was quite tired so I didn’t sketch too much! It was raining gently so I limited myself to a few brown watercolor pencils and watersoluble graphite pencils, a brown micron pen and a sepia micron pen. I listed the owls of England on my sketchbook page; Long Earred Owl, Short Earred Owl, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, White Breasted Barn Owl.
Above is a Buzzard that is being brought out to take part in the Bird of Prey show they put on everyday behind the castle.
This is a Buffy Fish Owl, they have a funny sort of look with their ‘ears’ flopping out to the sides many times.
This is a Mackinder’s Eagle Owl…the Eagle Owls are some of the largest owls in the world. I just love the sleepy look of this bird…I really want to do a painting of this one!
This gorgeous bird is the Oriental Bay Owl; I just love it’s patterns and colors! I feel another painting coming on!
This is a video of Red Tailed Kites flying around in their pen. Such a beautiful bird, it’s centres like this one that help educate people about Birds of Prey so they won’t kill them in the wild or take their eggs.
What beautiful owls, Mary! And so different looking than what I normally see. How fun that you had time to do some sketching. Definitely some great subjects for paintings in these. Thanks for sharing!
Carol
Hi Carol,
Are you lucky enough to see owls where you are? I don’t see them much here, once in a great while I’ll hear them.
I can’t wait to do new paintings from my new photos. Just seeing new birds even in captivity, inspires me.
thanks!
Mary
Hi Mary,
I don’t really see any owls here in Michigan, though that’s mostly because I live in the suburbs and don’t spend a lot of time outdoors. I’m sure they have lots of them up north, especially.
I did have a chance to sketch a live owl in an art class a couple summers ago, and that was great fun. I think it was a regular barn owl, so it didn’t look as exotic as the ones in your pictures. Enjoy!
Carol
Lovely. I’ve a soft spot for owls!
Thanks Doda!
Nice to hear from you, how are things over in the UK? Lots of snow here now. Have you been writing any stories?
Mary
Hi Carol,
I’m working on developing a class for drawing birds of prey…I love doing them! You’ll have to email me and tell me more about your class you took, I’d love to hear about it.
talk soon!
Mary