I discovered recently that I’m a bird nerd! I’ve always love birdwatching, especially the challenges of trying to get a photo and identifying them.

Often times, they move too quickly to get a photo. So I’m happy to be able to illustrate them.

I recently saw a ruby-crowned kinglet in my yard for the first time. I wasn’t familiar with this bird so I loved learning about it by drawing and painting it.

Then decided to turn this into a theme, illustrating migrating birds I’ve only seen passing through, like this white-throated sparrow. I identified them by their high-pitched, piercing whistle.

I’ve only seen a flicker once and would love to see them more. They remind me of a red-bellied woodpecker which I see all the time.

I don’t see Baltimore orioles too often, and usually remember to put out jelly and orange slices a little too late. But I’m grateful I’ve seen then a couple times.

And last, the scarlet tanager which I’ve only seen once in my yard or anywhere. It was quite a thrill!

I used a variety of mixed media, starting with a base of watercolor, then adding details with colored pencils, Neocolor II water soluable pastels, and white ink for highlights.

There are so many birds that I could spend a lifetime watching them and illustrating them!