When it comes to wildlife paintings, John James Audubon is a well-known name. Working in the 18th and 19th centuries, Audubon set out to paint and document every species that he encountered. At the time, conservation and stewardship efforts were non-existent. Audubon's enthusiastic and tireless work in his later years set a standard for conservation, a legacy that endures today.

Bring the beauty and magnificence of Audubon's work to your embroidery projects with designs inspired by Audubon's work. December's addition is below, and you can see them all by visiting the Audubon's Birds department, or scrolling down the page.

December's design is inspired by Audubon's plate, Snowy Owl. The magnificent Snowy Owl is one of the largest species of owls. Its thick plumage, heavily feathered taloned feet, and white coloration make the Snowy Owl well-adapted for life north of the Arctic Circle.

Befitting birds that make their home in a land with midnight sun, Snowy Owls are not as nocturnal as other owls, but fly abroad by day, searching for lemmings, rabbits, and other four-footed fare. When lemming populations decline in the Arctic, they will fly as far south as the United States to find food. They also migrate to the U.S. in the summer, where they will take up residence in open fields, marshes, and beaches. The average lifespan of a Snowy Owl in the wild is 9.5 years.

The design is below, available in four sizes. Click on the link to the size that you need, and add the design to your basket.