Owls are masters of silence. Their feathers are specially adapted to break up sound, allowing them to fly almost noiselessly—something no other bird does quite as well. That quiet flight, paired with their ability to turn their heads so far, gives them an uncanny, almost mythical presence. The Boreal Owl itself is a notably discreet and seldom-heard species. I have never personally encountered one in the Maritimes, but I was somehow drawn to paint this species. In this piece, I wanted to place the owl firmly within its environment, paying close attention to the structure and texture of the pine bark it rests against.