Keith Mueller - Life-size Pygmy Owl Study Decoy

Updated September 3, 2026

Lot number	202
Estimate	2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Category	Sporting Goods & Outdoors
Auction	Fall Feature Decoy & Sporting Art Auction 2026
Date	September 26, 2026 at 10:52 PM EDT
Auction house	American Sporting Auctions
Location	Syracuse, New York

Keith Mueller (b. 1956) Killingworth, CT 10.5" scene Regarding his study, and assisting in studying of Pygmy Owls, Mueller remarks, "I (have) made a few Pygmy Owl decoys for Biologists to use in their field studies, observations, and data collection. They used these decoys in many regional geographical locations and environments to study the reactions and predator/prey interactions of different bird species including Hummingbirds, including territoriality. The Owl decoys were simply placed and hung from a tree branch in designated location for observations." The owl is a piece Keith had made for himself. Perched atop a carved and green painted branch, with the head looking 90 degrees off to the right tucked into the body. The well carved bird is smooth utilizing painted feathering to entirely in place of carved feathers. Species exact glass eyes were used and the beak is carved from wood. Keith made the base to display the owl when not in use. Signed under both the tail of the owl and under the base. Mueller is a self-taught carver and painter who began carving professionally in the mid-1970s. Originally trained as an engineer and draftsman, Mueller developed his carving through extensive study of birds and their environments, including field research and photography on scientific expeditions. He has been named World Champion seven times, won more than 250 Best in Show awards, and has been honored as a Living Legend by the Ward Foundation. Mueller is particularly recognized for his decorative bird carvings, often incorporating elaborate feather carving, habitat, and sculptural presentation. His decorative work has included life-size and miniature birds as well as elaborate multi-bird compositions, with examples exhibited at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, and the Governors Mansions of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Condition: Excellent and originalProvenance: Keith Mueller Collection

Keith Mueller - Life-size Pygmy Owl Study Decoy

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