Eastern Screech Owl, No. 7773, Birds of a Feather

Signed and editioned on recto. Signed, titled, dated and editioned on certificate of authenticity.

Available in 3 sizes:

18 x 12 inches (edition of 15)

36 x 24 inches (edition of 7)

60 x 40 inches (edition of 5)

In Birds of a Feather, Claire Rosen photographs live birds against richly patterned, historically inspired backdrops, creating portraits that sit between natural history, decorative art, and contemporary photography. In Eastern Screech Owl, 7773, Rosen places the owl before a warm peach damask textile, creating a beautifully tonal setting that complements the bird’s mottled plumage and compact, sculptural form.

Eastern screech owls are small birds of prey known for their expressive ear tufts, bright eyes, and finely patterned feathers that help them blend into tree bark in the wild. Here, Rosen captures the owl perched among bare branches, its gaze fixed directly on the viewer. The symmetry of the backdrop frames the bird almost like a formal portrait, while the branching forms give the composition a natural sense of movement and depth.

Rosen’s process is rooted in patience, observation, and respect for her subjects. These photographs are not digitally composited. Instead, the artist brings carefully selected wallpapers and textile backdrops to the birds and photographs them in real time. Rather than forcing a pose, Rosen allows each bird’s natural movements and personality to guide the image.

The result is intimate, charming, and full of quiet intensity. Eastern Screech Owl, 7773 reflects Rosen’s ability to transform an encounter with a living bird into a portrait that feels both decorative and vividly present. In keeping with the spirit of the project, a percentage of the artist’s profits from the series will be donated to charity.