We have a Raptor Center

[blackmare]

Here in the town where I live -- only about five miles from my apartment -- is a raptor rehabilitation facility. I visited yesterday afternoon so I could get some photos of a bald eagle, in order to do this commissioned drawing.



And here he is, drawn today. About 10.5 x 8.5", mixed media on paper.

I really, really like birds, and now that I know the Raptor Center is there and the staff is so friendly, I will be creating more drawings just because I can. The next one is a red-tailed hawk, not a commission but one I just want to do.

Comments

[0jack]

Beautiful. :) They have great character. I love birds, especially owls and the small hawks and falcons. And turkey vultures... not pretty but so smart and funny.

[blackmare]

Since I moved up here from Florida, I don't see vultures much, and I kind of miss them. In return, though, I get crows, which are really uncommon in Florida, and are also fantastic to watch.

Owls have always been and always will be especially close to my heart. My dad could imitate barred owl calls so well that they -- often several at once -- would come "talk" to him.

The one in this icon, I didn't draw, though I wish I had. It's a piece by Jim Dine.

[weaverbird]

Eagles scowl so impressively, don't they? This is a lovely piece!

I share your love of birds - especially raptors and corvidae - and red tails are one of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing that drawing. *g* How lucky you are to have the raptor center so close by!

[blackmare]

This is a rather "formal" drawing, because it's a gift for a man who was just promoted to Colonel, so there were constraints on how creative I could be. My Muppet-warped brain kept thinking of Sam the Eagle and just how accurate his expression really was. :-D

The red-tail, though? I got this fantastic shot of her that's all gorgeous curves and I can't wait to see what comes out as I begin to draw her. I'll post here, of course, when it's done.

[weaverbird]

Hee! Inorite? Sam the Eagle really is accurate!

YAY for the red tail! Such beautiful birds. They are very common hereabouts, and one lives in earshot of my place. I hear her all the time - also hear our local murder of crows, who *love* to mob her. It seems to be a favorite pass-time. Incorrigible brats, they are.

Icon love, btw - both for the crow and the kestrel!

[lark_ascends]

AWESOME photo. And I'm commenting here because, yay, another person with a Muppet-warped brain!

[sid]

That is one strong, sexy bird. *admires*

[afuna]

Oh my -- that eye, those feathers! Amazing :)

[haruka]

Oh, that is gorgeous! And I so envy you, having a Raptor Centre close by! @_@