Western Screech-Owl

Western screech-owls have an interesting way of camouflaging itself, not just through its mottled coloration but also by stiffening its feathers to make it look like a branch (source: The Owl Pages).  Although pretty common at lower elevations in California, I've heard this species more than I've actually seen it.  Interestingly, they don't screech so the name is misleading. This painting was based on an individual being rehabilitated in the Bay Area.  "Western screech-owl, Megascops kennicottii", watercolor on Lanaquarelle paper, 10"x14".