The top sketch is of a new bald eagle nest in our area. Actually this is the third year for this nest, but that in 'new' in the life of an eagle. If all goes well a nest may be occupied each spring for years.
The black and white bird is a black phoebe -- a sweet little flycatcher that I watched hawking for little insects in a cattail marsh. He sits, watches, then swoops out to catch an insect in midair.
A great blue heron slowly eases his way forward while fishing in a small pond. While I sketched him an otter also came to the pond. Often I find the real treasures happen when I'm sitting quietly and sketching.
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The heron is having none of this! He quickly climbs up on shore and keeps an eye on the otter's meanderings. |
Elva, I always look forward to your sketches!
ReplyDeleteElva, these are fabulous! I particularly like the otter. What a wonderful neighborhood you live in.
ReplyDeletevery nice,
ReplyDeleteElva!!!
It is absolutely true: if you sit out in nature the animals will go silent and hidden, but only for a few minutes. I think they forget we are there. It has happened to me time and again: I sit still, and in less than ten minutes, the bird and animal activity is back to normal. I once had baby armadillos walk right across my shoes! Of course, they can't see worth a dang, but it was a thrill I'll never forget, and of course I did not have my sketchbook but I did have my camera.
ReplyDeleteWow, Lee! What a thrill that must have been!
DeleteBaby armadillos!!! How Cool!
DeleteGreat nature sketches--you really captured the behavior of the great blue heron.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures, Elva! So true about hanging out in one place and watching nature happen around you. Such a thrill!
ReplyDelete