New bird sketches

It's been a long time -- and I mean a LONG time -- since I've drawn anything so I figured today it was time to break out the pencils and reconnect with my inner artiste.

Not too shabby for not having drawn in about 5 months! This was sketched from a photo my mother took of a Hairy Woodpecker nesting in our neighbor's pine tree. The chick is just about to fledge, and has been poking its head out when the mother comes to feed it.

This was drawn from a photo of an Eastern Screech Owl in my NWF Field Guide to Birds of North America. I'm really happy with how it came out, for the most part. It took a good 2 hours or so to finish.

Happy birding!

Do you hear what I hear?

Sometimes it's just as exciting to hear a bird, as it is to see one. I haven't seen any new species lately -- just the usual Warblers, Woodpeckers, Goldfinches and Chickadees.

But today I heard a new sound, and it sounded very much like this. Can you guess what it it is? A Barred Owl! I saw a Barred Owl when I was little, but like the Purple Galinule, I haven't seen or heard one since I started birding.

When I heard the Owl today, it was far off in the cypress swamp, and a very startling sound to hear in mid-morning. I'm still not sure why it was calling at that time of day, but I'm sure it had its reasons. :-)

Anywho, it was a fun holiday surprise.

Until next time,

Happy Birding!