Inspiration: The Barking Owl is definitely an odd ball to me, everything about the bird has character. With its expressive eyes, alternating feather pattern and barking dog call, they are truly a unique Australian animal. Interesting these owls have two claws gripping the front and two at the back, unlike the common three claws at the front and one at the back. I chose to position him with confidence and strength, he's aware of our presence and stares right back at us. Though these Owls are more on the shy side, his assurance comes from his gumtree territory, as he waits for the next hunt to begin.

Named for its distinctive dog-like barking call, the Barking Owl is a medium sized Australian native belonging to the Hawk-owl species. Unlike the Tyto owls with their heart-shaped face and reliance on sound, Hawk-owls have forward facing eyes that provide excellent vision and rely on sight to locate prey. They are found in open woodlands and use the hollows of old growth trees as nesting sites as well as locations to find prey. It is named for its harsh barking call but can also make a much louder, wailing cry, which has given rise to another name, the 'screaming-woman owl’. Though habitat loss is a major contributor to the decline of populations, the owl also faces displacement from feral honey bees taking over their nesting sites.

FUN FACTS:

• The Barking Owl is named for its harsh barking call, similar to the sound of a dog. However - DID YOU KNOW that it has a second cry? The owl has been heard making a much louder wailing cry which has given rise to its other name, “the screaming woman bird”.

• The Barking Owl has been met with an unusual threat to its continued survival - Feral Honey Bees are displacing the owl by taking over their natural nesting sites in hollow bearing native trees!

This piece forms part of a themed collection that is focused on protected, threatened, and endangered Australian species. Through the expansion of European settlement, many species have been displaced by human encroachment, changing fire patterns, victims of predation, or have been exposed to disease. Raising awareness remains as the most significant challenge in the effort to reduce these possible outcomes. These represent the absence of the existence of wildlife in their natural environments.

This series has specifically utilised heat, flame, and soot to achieve the varying golden browns and charcoal greys present in the finished artwork.