When I started work at the Bird of Prey Centre, one of the first birds I worked with was a Tawny Owl called Indi.

She was a rescue from a falconry club, whose site had closed down, and she had been with our centre for around 10 years since.

What a sweetheart! Before her retirement, she flew daily in our displays, was fantastic to handle with public, and did cracking jobs on outside visits to places like schools.
And a beautiful bird too. These big, black, soulful eyes outlined in what could almost be pink eyeliner... with the most stunning orange-red plumage too! Gorgeous bird.

I remember one time, using her for a photography day, I was posing her in a little hole in a tree. It looked perfect...until she decided to climb right on in and get all cozy. She loved it! I can't even remember how long it took me to entice her out. XD

Her retirement came around a month ago, due to her age. She was starting to show signs of arthritis, and just didn't have it in her for flying anymore.
A week later, she wasn't interested in her food. Looked really tired. For the first time, she actually looked old.

My boss took her home, knowing that she wanted her to be warm and cozy when the time came, and she passed that night in her sleep.
If a bird is going to go, let it be of old age and not accident or ailment.
And at over 20 years of age, she was ancient.

We miss you, old lady! <3

WIPs and more of my art can be found on my Tumblr: http://bandarai.tumblr.com/tagged/my-art

Artwork © Bandarai