The Power of Three: For the love of Northern Saw Whet Owls

 

As one of the tiniest owls in the Northeastern USA, the Saw Whet is mostly silent and stays well hidden in thickets and small trees. Totally nocturnal they are rarely seen and can only be heard during the late winter breeding season. Their call to their mate is a repeated tooting whistle. Some say they sound like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone. Gentle and devoted to their young, these owls are generally unafraid and can be approached and observed closely. They are abundant in this area, even in the city, but so discrete, few of us ever see them.

This sculpture is dedicated to the many long term residents in this Salem Mass. neighborhood, and the abundant fans of this tiny precious park. Like the Northern Saw Whet Owl, Patten Park is a hidden gem. The Power of Three invites all who visit this park to wander through the paths, explore the mysterious space within, and discover its delight.

Photo credit: Fae Phoenix Photo

This project was made possible by the Making it Public Program in partnership with the New England Foundation for the Arts, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the Salem Public Art Commission 2023.