A studio for bird study

Tag: art

February 8, 2012

The White-tailed Kite- Elanus leucurus

by Bryce W. Robinson

White-tailed Kite- Elanus leucurus. Ink on paper

Since I saw the hovering White-tailed kite in the sky last weekend, it seemed I could never shake the angst caused by the urge for more interaction with this creature. With the first bit of free time in my day today, I sat and sketched the bird. This has satisfied my itch for the time being, but rest assured there will be plenty more illustrations and photos to come. I will soon search for the White-tailed Kite once more, and the reports will follow.

1 Comment
January 22, 2012

Ferruginous Hawk Headshot

by Bryce W. Robinson

Ferruginous Hawk- Buteo regalis. Watercolor on paper

Due to the number of experiences I have had with Buteo regalis this winter, I thought it appropriate to take a break from packing today and paint a headshot of the fierce looking bird. Listening to music and enjoying the mood of the last snow storm I will endure for a time, I created this large portrait of what is now a very familiar bird. I have difficulty accomplishing my goals with watercolors, and this exercise was no different. Still I was pleased enough with the outcome to share. If the bird intrigues, please take the opportunity to easily see the bird as it occupies farmlands for winter. It truly is a regal as its name implies, and I will miss the regular interactions I have had with the bird. Still life goes on and there are others out in the wide world to find and know, and so I will go.

1 Comment
December 25, 2011

The Christmas Bird 2011- A Painting Tradition

by Bryce W. Robinson

Every year, birders around the nation gather for the Christmas Bird Count. Such a Christmas tradition centered around birds brings another wonderful aspect to this magical time of year. Celebrating the season serves to distract us from the harsh weather, and center around good food, family, and friends.

I have settled upon two traditions I hope to carry on through the years. First, I plan to have a Christmas Eve Owl Search beginning at dusk every Christmas Eve. Owls are marvelous, and the search and discovery of a bird on Christmas Eve can only add to the spirit of the season. Last night I took my brothers and sisters out into the night to find an owl. We found many feathers and a few pellets, but this year there was no owl to be seen. I’m sure there will be better luck in years to come.

The second tradition I have decided to undertake is painting a Christmas bird every year, and gift it to a loved one. Each year will be a different species that captures the season and celebrates the start of the winter solstice. For the Christmas Bird of 2011, I have chosen Bombycilla cedrorum, the Cedar Waxwing.

The Christmas Bird 2011- The Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum. 12x16" oil on stretched canvas

Merry Christmas to my brother Travis and his wife Makayla, and happy holidays to all. May the winter be full of good birds, good music, good food, and good times.

B William

Leave a comment
November 9, 2011

Barn Owl- Tyto alba

by Bryce W. Robinson

Barn Owl- Tyto alba. 16x20" acrylic on stretched canvas. $400

Of any bird, the Barn Owl carries the most mysticism in its ghostly glare. As it flies through the air, it resemble a specter floating through the sky hunting for what it desires. Its mystic nature is also matched with an elegant aura of regality. This creature is certainly stunning.

The last time I met the gaze of the Barn Owl was along the Jordan River, in a grove of tall cottonwoods. I was birding a series of shallow ponds, seeing a number of Avocets, Killdeer, Mallards, and many other typical wetland inhabitants. As I stalked a group of Avocets, I made my way around the base of a large tree. With my senses tuned to the slightest movement, it still seemed spectacular that I noticed a large figure silently take to the sky directly above my head. I was ecstatic as I watched the retreat of a Barn Owl into a cottonwood grove some 50 yards away. I could not see where the bird had settled, so I scanned the trees in hopes of discovering the timid owl. Through the lens of my binoculars, my eyes came to a deep and dark marbled glare. The bird, hidden in the trees, far from me, was still watching my movement. This predator knew my intentions, and was certain to watch until I had gone. What an intelligent creature. After minutes in a lockdown stare, I continued about my business to leave the owl in peace. How I respect Tyto alba, the Barn Owl.

Leave a comment