[Brad Wilson][1] studied visual arts at the University of North Carolina, where he worked for many years photographing models and celebrities. Brad decided he wanted another challenge and chose to photograph animals. He soon discovered that animals can not be directed to pose for a shoot, and it is up to the photographer to wait for the animal to present itself. The stunning photos below were taken at the [World Bird Sanctuary][2] in St. Louis, and [The Wildlife Center][3] in Española, New Mexico. Each shot took hours to capture the desired face-to-face picture Brad wanted. A lot of the owls that Brad used as subjects were from sanctuaries, and often had broken wings or injuries. He hid these injuries in his shots, as well as the bird’s handler, in order to consider the bird’s feelings. He says “it’s hard to get animals to look at you like humans do. That shot became my holy grail.” I think Brad’s patience was well rewarded with the amazing photos below. What do you see when you look into the eyes of these magnificent birds? [1]: http://www.bradwilson.com/ [2]: http://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/ [3]: http://www.thewildlifecenter.org/This owl’s average height is 19-23” and is found throughout Europe and Asia.
The Great Horned Owl can be as tall as 2 feet, and resides in all of continental North America and much of South America.
It reaches a height of 15″ and resides in North America, Europe, Asia, and in North Africa.
The average size is 7-9″ tall, and is found in southeastern Alaska, through western Canada, and the western U.S. to central Mexico.
The Eastern Screech Owl averages between 6-10″ tall, and lives in the U.S., east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Spectacled Owl can be up to 18″ tall and lives in Mexico, Central America and the northern 2/3 of South America.
This little owl only reaches a height of 6″. In the summer it can be found in southwestern Canada, through the western U.S.
This owl reaches a height of 18″, and lives in Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.
The Barn Owl can be up to 15″ tall, and nests on 6 continents.
