After 2012

by

Blackpoll Warblers

20200517_193939

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.

by

A Graduation Card

20200517_145643

After giving my Mom the card from Love Pop, I decided I really enjoyed doing that. So I did it again for my niece’s graduation this year. I thought a Great Horned Owl would be an appropriate illustration of wisdom.

20200517_14571820200517_150158

by

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

20200510_195215

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.

20200505_202816

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.)

by

Nest Building

20200412_155657

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.

20200412_155511

by

March 2020 Watercolor

Reference Photo by Jining Han – Eagle Creek Park, White Pelican swallowing breakfast.
White Pelicans migrating thru Eagle Creek in early March
Killdeer – first signs that Spring is here
The return of the Turkey Vultures