The Belted Kingfisher

Looking for shorebirds to draw I found instead a handsome kingfisher.

The Quirky Wood Stork

This uninhibited wood stork moved with ease toward me as I myself moved in closer to get my artist information.  He was quirky and I was thoroughly intrigued as he creeped along toward me.  As I expected, this fellow took flight just as I was ready to click my camera.  This drawing is a result of the memory of my visit with the quirky wood stork.

Slow down and expand the view

Every day quirky White Ibis frequent my path.  Today, tagging behind the flock was a brown speckled fellow who I had never seen.  After my research I was startled to know that young Ibis frequent an appearance with their family often.  For me that resonates, slow down and expand my view.

Chums at the seashore

I followed the shoreline with my camera, scanning to see if my next drawing was near by.    All the  shorebirds scurried about too fast for me to observe. When I caught sight of these three chums hanging  like the best of friends it was certain, I had the vision for my next portrait.

Strolling in the Tropics

Today I am grateful for the Great White Egret that flaunts her beauty as I walk by.  Unexpectedly, she poises in my neighborhood for all passing by to admire.  With only my iPhone to access I am able to click my button and capture her mysterious behavior.

Happy Earth Day!  Since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on April 20, 2010, 82,000 birds,  have been harmed or killed.   That number will continue to rise.   Plastic kills 1 million sea birds and 100,000 marine creatures yearly.  These are startling figures!

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

oceancrusaders.org

Contemplative thought

Where I live Great Blue Herons frequent my view daily.  When I spotted this fellow I observed that his glance seemed to transcend far and wide.  Then, in one split second  I heard a swoosh, and I watched as his mighty wings carried him across the sky and shouted back to me,  “total freedom.”

Four New Birds

I recently spent time at Sebastian Inlet in Melbourne, Florida where I was thrilled to capture several shorebirds performing. I have been busy in my studio drawing their portraits and embellishing their quirky behaviors.  I encourage anyone who travels to the area to spend time at this beautiful park, it is a paradise to bird lovers, surfers and anyone that enjoys the beauty of nature.

 

Unexpected Flight

While driving down a country road I was startled when a Sandhill Crane danced by my window. Displaying a laissez-faire attitude as she passed me by.   Nature had done it to me again. She had  filled  me with emotions and memories of the unconscious freedom of youth.  A fleeting, bittersweet moment remembering life before adult captivity.  Once I put my brush to my paper I struggled more than usual to evoke my emotion, I was aware of how hard it is to be free like the crane.

Flying Free

©BarbaraGurryRowell

I am back in my Florida Studio after being gone for 7 weeks.  When I arrived,  I was greeted by a Great White Egret flying along the water’s edge.  It was a welcomed familiar feeling to draw her in my favorite place, with my favorite tools and supplies.