It’s an odd angle for a bird – straight on. And it makes him look like he’s scheming. But I love the toes.
Black Crowned Night Heron
pen drawing
Orange Billed Sparrow
Lately, I can’t think of sparrows without hearing Neko Case’s gorgeous “Maybe Sparrow.” The video is beautifully animated. Although it bothers me that the bird of prey depicted is an owl, when the line clearly says “Maybe sparrow you should wait, The hawks alight till morning.”
Ah, me and my literal-mindedness.
Chinstrap Penguin
This bird was from a National Geographic article. I can’t remember why he was running. But penguins don’t generally “run” – they just look too silly on land.
Boat Billed Heron
This such a ridiculous looking bird, I just had to draw him twice. I like this one much better than my first attempt. I especially like the feet.
Whooping Crane
I grabbed this image from National Geographic, a special on cranes. I like the bird depicted, but my execution leaves much to be desired. It feels stiff. Also, the painter’s tape I used to stick this drawing to my living room walls has left a small blue line along the top edge.
Andean Gull
The scan is a little wonky on this one. The background is actually more greenish that straight yellow.
Brown Hawfinch
Mixed black and grey brush tip pens, with great success.
Collared Flycatcher
Why, halfway through the year did I throw in a scientific name? I don’t know. So few of the other drawings have the scientific name because I didn’t want to get it wrong. I love science, but I’m no expert. I’m just an avid appreciator of experts. So yeah- there’s a random genus species for you. Hope it’s right.
Boat Billed Heron
This is such a bizarre-looking creature that I tried drawing him more than once. I drew him again a few days after this attempt (post soon to come). The second drawing worked better. Even though I swear this image is true to the photo, he looks impossibly-designed. Truly, a muppet-worthy creation.
claire meyler 