Fledging Day

Although not native to the UK, the Little Owl was successfully introduced in the early 19th century and has become established as our smallest species of owl. Elsewhere, their range extends from North Africa, throughout continental Europe, and into the warm and temperate regions of Asia. A hollow tree is a favoured nest site and a pair, which bond for life, will typically raise three or four chicks that will fledge after about 35 days, and become independent in the Autumn.

I wanted this portrait to capture their charming character as well as the vulnerability of the young brood discovering the wide world for the first time.

Subject: Little Owl (Athene Noctua)
Original Medium: Faber Castell Polychromos & Caran d’Ache Luminance coloured pencil on Fabriano Artistico hot pressed paper
Original Size: 53x37cm
Original Artwork: SOLD – Prints available
Coloured pencil Little Owl portrait by wildlife artist Angie