I was experimenting with combining graphite and watercolor as I sketched my sunglasses lying on the studio table when a horrendously rude group of what I thought were catbirds invaded the birdfeeder. They look huge compared to those wee sparrows who frequently visit. A friendly reader of my blog informed me that these were probably Grackles and not catbirds. I definitely need a bird book so I can identify some of my visitors.
I tried to paint one at the bottom of this page, but I don't think I managed to get the length of the body correct. They sure did make a lot of noise though.
I love your sketches and I love your birds. I keep watching the ones at my feeder but I haven't managed to sketch them. Everytime I try they see me looking and fly away. Even the squirrels leave after about 10 minutes of my staring, and I am in the house. You sure can't beat a bird feeder for entertainment and inspiration. Jean
ReplyDeleteGreat journal page!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a grackle, not a catbird...! Makes more sense too, grackles make a big mess, lots of noise, and eat the contents of your feeder in a New York minute!! Catbirds like bugs and berries better than seeds... and they sing pretty too... Easy way to know the difference starts with the grackle's yellow eyes and iridenscent body... the catbird is all grey with a black cap on it's head... and it's eyes are black too.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for the bird information. I was going on what my husband called it! I don't know birds for nothing, and I need to get a Florida bird book from Borders next time I'm there. Yes, it did have those yellow eyes, so you are right on target. :)
ReplyDeleteNice drawing of a very mean bird!
ReplyDeleteI have them too! Last year they cost me an entire month of growing time in the garden, having eaten every seed, every sprout, every thing but the weeds, which frankly would be helpful.
They are also very fierce. I sprayed one with my hose and before I knew it I was attacked by squadrons of 3 at all angles. Very scary.
They also pecked the eye out of "our" robin and killed the resident downy woodpecker. :-(
They go to farmland during deep summer. Wish they'd just stay there! Is it bad karma to hate a whole breed of bird?