Greenland? Wheatear

I'll be heading up to Boddington Reservoir over the next week or two. I saw this Wheatear last year and am still unsure whether it was the common, north European Wheatear or the more unusual, warmer-toned Greenland sub-species that begins its migration a little earlier from its more northerly summer territory.

This sketch is for sale at my website here.

Passage Willow Warbler

Warblers have been passing through for a few weeks now. This Willow Warbler was flitting in the birch trees a few days ago.

This watercolour can be bought from my website here.

Woodpigeon

When I first showed this watercolour to a customer he virtually spat the word pigeon. He is a farmer and sees them as nothing but pests that damage crops, particularly winter greens. 

As with all birds and animals, even common ones, there is beauty to be found and woodpigeons are exquisite in their plums and slatey blues. They're also very obliging models.

This watercolour is still available! at woodpigeon

Turtle Doves

So sad that these dainty little doves are scarcer than they used to be. I did see some at Otmoor this year though - in the car park!

This watercolour is sold but more of my work is at my website

Summer Song Thrush

As usual far too long between posts.

This lovely bird was perched in our damson tree for quite a while in this pose, which made him a pleasure to draw. It was only when I'd finished this watercolour that I realised just how cleverly he is camouflaged. Actually, I don't know if it's a male or a female but, from the slightly yellow lower mandible, I think it may be a young bird any way.

This watercolour is for sale from my website Click here

Blackcaps

Female Blackcap

Male Blackcap

I have been astounded by the numbers of blackcaps this year, even in suburban gardens and hedgerows; every scrap of woodland seems to have at least one male belting out his cheery warble. They often quite bold and approachable and, in good light, their beautiful silvery plumage and glossy black caps make them unmistakable. If you can only hear the singing bird they're easily confused with the closely related garden warbler whose song is similar but more continuous, faster, quieter and, to me, slightly more raspy. I was lucky enough to hear both species singing in a wood at the same time a few days ago so could compare them.

Cock Pheasant

Cock pheasants are as beautiful as they are dumb. I am always watchful when I see one ahead on the road-side when I'm driving. They seem pre-programmed to hurl themselves under the wheels at the last second. The problem is that they're virtually all as tame as chickens, having been raised for the gun.

SOLD