Pastel on ClaireFonteyn PastelMat image size 10.75″ x 11.75″
Pity the poor vole, mouse or other small creature, they will never hear a barn owl approaching for the kill; the owl is so quiet. I can remember seeing one flying around on the outskirts of Mold some years ago; it looked like an escapee as it had long leather straps (jesses) attached to its legs, and it was so quiet and ghost-like that it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. I called the RSPCA to report the sighting, but never found out what happened to it. I just hope it was able to hunt for prey and survive despite the jesses.
Not all howls hoot – the Barn Owl screeches, and they are born with one ear higher than the other; which aids navigation in the dark when they are hunting.
