Algonquin Saw-whet Owl Study

The diminutive northern saw-whet owl is far less retiring than most other owls, especially during the winter when they often congrats in large numbers where a food source is plentiful. Because of this I have had the opportunity to sketch them from life. The setting shown is a white pine branch heavily loaded with a fresh snow. I chose this to establish the proportionate size of the owl, and for the compositional opportunities the setting offered. The two portraits at the bottom of the drawing were added based on two saw-whets at a wildlife rehabilitation facility.