The barn owl (Tyto alba) is one of the most widely distributed of all birds, taking top honors in that distinction among owls. Both maligned and revered throughout history and a prominent figure in the mythology of many cultures, the owl is now acknowledged for its significant role as a predator of rodents. Silent in flight, with a telltale screech serving as a "hoot," the barn owl has a heart-shaped face that may have helped endear it to present-day humans. Berkeley, California - close to where the creator of these images lives - recently named the barn owl the official bird of the city. San Francisco Bay Area resident Jeannine Chappell begins her collage-like works on paper, later using the computer to enhance them. According to the artist, "This technique allows me the best of two worlds - the spontaneity of watercolor, pencil, and crayon on paper and the editing capabilities of the computer." The twelve striking images offered in this calendar are among Chappell"s recent...