Sunday, January 11, 2009

"Muncaster Castle Day Three, The Owl Centre" 9-10-08

My third day at Muncaster was so full, I did two posts to cover it, this is the second half!

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.

6 comments:

Carol Creech said...

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

Mary McAndrew said...

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

Carol Creech said...

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

Doda said...

Lovely. I've a soft spot for owls!

Mary McAndrew said...

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

Mary McAndrew said...

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