During the shutdown I have not been birding like normal, other than off my back deck. However, the back wild space has delivered in spades – actually, in what we birders call “lifers” (the first time you spot a species.)
We had a couple of Blackpoll Warblers go through last week, giving a brief, yet very delightful glimpse as they paused on their travels from S. Am. to Canada.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s have been plentiful this season. I have my own photos, but a friend, Steve Bradley, took one of a male that truly inspired me. I used his photo for my painting and one of my own for the female.
First I practiced drawing them since their big old beaks were a new shape for me.
Then I tried the male on my Mom’s Mother’s Day card/letter. I decided I liked that so well, I did the couple in my nature journal (the first image above.)
I watched a Cooper’s Hawk wrestle with a huge stick that had a smaller one hooked to it. When he finally got them untangled, he ended up with the short stick and appeared quite disgruntled about it. He tossed it down and left, at that point, and went up into the tree and started wrestling with another branch. It was very entertaining.
When the Kinglets arrive, Spring is on!
Photo reference on Instagram: The Hummingbird Whisperer – Lisa Meyers Swanson
On my lunch hour and of an evening I do quick sketches – I did a quick splash of watercolor on the hummingbird. I think I just may do more of those practice pieces!
The original photos for the lunch sketches come from Facebook group: Indiana Birdograpy
We saw some snow and below freezing temps this week, which brought the birds to the feeders.
I am also working on a journal for Indiana parks I have visited. The painting is done… now to journal the pages for the first one.
Flexing My Wings 