California Quail Return!

 First a pair and now two, these busy birds criss-cross our yard several times a day.  The males have taken a liking to perch and keep guard on the back of the adirondack chair that was left out on the lawn a day or so ago.  The females peck their way across the lawn and into the flower beds.  I believe they are the culprits who have been scratching away the soil from around my two little tomato plants.  I don't mind because they're endlessly amusing.


Last year, a pair of adults and ten little babies suddenly appeared out of the hedgerow.  All the wee ones survived to full size and I guess they are starting to come back now.

Right outside the dining room window, one of the females got real involved in scratching out a nest size depression, under the protection of the Oregon grape while the male kept guard.  I thought perhaps she would lay some eggs, but she disappeared into the thicket.


That would have been a nice sight to balance out the views of eagles killing seagulls lately!

Fanciful Fowls

Birds of various persuasions keep appearing on my canvasses lately.

"Balance"

15" x 30"

acrylic on canvas

"Say What?"

14" x 11"

acrylic on canvas

Owl IV

5" x 5"

acrylic on canvas

Tiny Treasure

I startled a tiny bird
It seemed to cower and cry
Back with camera in minutes
"Captured" from both sides.

New Work May 2012

Contemplation     16 x 20 acrylic on canvas
Didn't know a "Super Moon" was coming but woke up one morning  with the idea of cows  leaping playfully through the night sky and across a big golden full moon.  After sketching it all out I went right to the canvas and this is what happened:  "Contemplation."  Maybe a more energetic version with mad and/or blissful cows flying through space is next.  The Pacific Northwest sky is full of surprises, especially in Kitsap country.

Who?


A fluffy but stern owl clutches its perch  and surveys the landscape.

Moving On


With an open heart