“Due to ongoing logging of old-growth forests scientists estimate that less than six owls now remain in the wild in Canada. Currently biologists have been able to locate only three adult spotted owls, including a breeding pair residing in the unceded territory of the Nlaka'pamux community of Spô’zêm (Spuzzum) First Nation, located in the Fraser Canyon area near Hope BC. On February 25, 2021 he BC government announced a one year deferral of logging in Spô’zêm Nation territory - home to Canada's last surviving breeding pair of spotted owls in the wild. The historic population of spotted owls is estimated to have been 500 pairs.”
The Marbled Murrelet
The Marbled Murrelet was once known as the "Australian Bumble Bee" by fishermen and as the "fogbird" or "fog lark" by loggers and fishermen. These nicknames reflect the bird’s foggy coastal habitat, its frequent calling even at sea, and plump shape and whirring wings in flight.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Marbled_Murrelet/overview
I know I will probably never see a Marbled Murrelet, but it is nice to know they are out there, for now. Logging old growth forests and Murrelet reproduction don’t mix as they need old growth trees ( over 200 years old) in which to reproduce.
Marbled Murrelet - non-breeding plummage
Marbled Murrelet - breeding plummage
Planning a Painting
Planning out a painting of a Turkey Vulture but first working it out in pencil. Turkey Vultures, as you know, are a very, very dark brown and makes it tricky to make out the subtle layering. Then, there is the so very delicate head, poised above all that soft plumage. Watercolour or oil? Have yet to decide. Why not both? All good practice for a most favourite bird of mine.
Kinglet
This is a combination of three tutorial exercises: painting the bird, learning to paint berries and learning to paint the leaves. I sketched the three exercises onto watercolour paper and gave it a whirl bouncing between two online teachers.
Visit Paul Hopkinson at the www.devonartist.co.uk and also Billy Showell at www.billyshowell.com.
Kinglet. Watercolour
American Robin
A watercolour robin for practicing tiny feather strokes. One of my favourite birds, so it was very enjoyable.
Thanks to Paul Hopkinson for his thorough tutorial: www.devonartist.co.uk