This blog is devoted to showing pictures and paintings of birds, and it is our hope that these images create interest in the enjoyment and the conservation of this diverse group of animals.
California Towhee Pair 12” x 12” acrylic on wood panel
Cautiously curious, Venturing out together, California Towhee Pair
We usually see California Towhees in pairs. They like the edges of brushy areas and they do seem curious as they venture out in the open.
A beautiful woodpecker we saw in Southern Texas.
Persimmon Tree Visitors 10” x 20” acrylic on wood panel
Our persimmon tree attracts lots of birds when the fruit is ripe in November. A Nuttall's Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Anna's Hummingbirds were all busy feasting while I made the sketch for this painting.
I know another Yellow Warbler, but I cannot help myself. It is such a pretty bird that lends itself well to photography. The bright all yellow face with the black piercing eye makes these attractive birds. This one was photographed on South Padre Island, Texas in 2018 and is heading north to breed.
Northern Harrier 12” x 12” acrylic on wood panel
No matter how often I spot a Northern Harrier, it's always thrilling to watch one gliding silently low over the fields, almost skimming the tops of the grasses.
This duck is common in the U.S. southern states. This photo was taken in Southern Texas. They are named after their call which sounds like a whistle.
Kestrel Flight 12” x 12” acrylic on wood panel
I watched a kestrel take off from a sycamore branch and was inspired by the way the colors of the falcon mirrored those of the dry leaves and blue sky.
In the Americas this is the smallest and most colorful of the falcons.
Green Heron Posed 12” x 12” acrylic on wood panel
Every time we come across a green heron I’m inspired to work on another painting. This one was on a bank in willows.
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet breeds in the far north of the North American continent during the summer. In winter its range covers most of the southern half of the United States including much of California.
This little bird is always on the go as if it is constantly drinking coffee. They have a characteristic call that some liken to a small engine trying to start, but never quite making it.
Dave and I birded an area which burned last summer and I refined my field notes into this small study which I posted on the Nature Journal Club Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturejournalclub
I thought this would make a good subject for a poem and got a couple wonderful responses:
Joy Burton
Colors flashing through the burn,
Treasures from a former life.
Fullness of nature for which I yearn,
Flying forward to the next turn.
Survivors.
JoAnn Chambers
Even dead wood fills some needs
For pecking birds and grubs that breed.
Leafless wood reveals its grain,
Its bark exposed, awaiting rain.
This species occurs in Central California, but we normally do not see them often and when we do they tend to be at higher elevations. We were surprised to find this one at Sandy Wool Lake at Ed Levin Park in Santa Clara County, California which is lower than we normally find them. If you are not familiar with nuthatches, upside down is a typical eating posture.
Anna’s Hummingbird Chase 20” x 10” acrylic on wood panel
I was inspired by watching these hummingbirds dashing through purple sage.
A small bird with a yellow eyebrow. These are common on the Central California coast where they can be found in grass, sedge marshes, and reedy areas. I photographed this one on a lupine plant in Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Rock Wren taking a break from bug hunting
A perky wren that is normally found on rocky areas through out the Western United States and south into Mexico. It lives in arid to semi-arid areas and its diet it primarily insects and spiders. It will steal insects from spider webs. This individual was working a parking lot railing in its search for food.
Black-crowned Night-Herons 16” x 16” acrylic on wood panel
I love painting Night-Herons - they can seem so sinister. These three are lurking and watching.
A common year around bird in Central California. Their distinct gathering call “chee ca go” tells you that this quail species is nearby.
Spotted Towhee 10” x 20” acrylic on wood panel
A Spotted Towhee has been hanging out in our yard under wild grape vines. It was such a treat to watch him foraging.
We know it is winter on the California Central Coast because this species shows up and keeps us entertained as it frantically hops from one cluster of leaves to the next as it forages for insects. In the summer, it is found throughout British Columbia.
Lesser Goldfinch Trio, 8” x 8” acrylic o wood panel
The thistles are turning brown and attracting flocks of lesser goldfinch. This is one of my favorite motifs to paint.