Darwin

This is Darwin, a Western Screech Owl who was hit by a car, causing him to lose one eye and much of his hearing.  He is a permanent resident at Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue in Port Townsend Washington, http://discoverybaywildbirdrescue.com/, where injured birds are rehabbed and released when possible.  Darwin cannot hunt, so he will not be released, but he serves as an educational owl, helping teach people about what the Rescue is all about, what a Western Screech Owl needs in the way of habitat, and reminding people to slow down and pay attention while driving.  I am very struck by his presence, and painted him larger than life to try to capture some of that intensity.  I am donating 20% of the sale of this image to Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue, they could use some funds to keep everyone in mice and fish and mealy worms (I’m so glad I’m an artist and not a wildlife rehab person) as they are inundated with injured birds this year.  “Darwin” is a 16×20 oil on canvas, prints are available, and hit the “For Sale” page here if you are interested.