Another favourite bird of mine - the Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae. They frequently wake me early in the mornings and end the daylight time with their call. These particular Kookaburra photos were taken on the South Coast of New South Wales. They reminded me of Billy Connelly's description of himself as 'windswept and interesting'.
Of all the birds my 'most favourite' is the Tawny Frogmouth. I have been studying the local 'Tawnies' as they are affectionately known for about 3 years now. They visit the tree outside my window in the night calling with their booming oom-oom-oom. I have done a variety of drawings and a couple of small... Continue Reading →
Another of my favourite birds is the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen. It is a combination of its dramatic black and white plumage, its beautiful voice and often friendly personality. The one exception to this would be at nesting time when signs are erected in most towns warning people of swooping magpies. They see humans as... Continue Reading →
The local pied butcherbirds were out in force yesterday afternoon gathering worms, grubs and the like in one of the large vegetable allotments kept by an avid local vegie grower. They have the most beautiful melodious call and along with magpies and their call are my favourite local 'birdsingers'.
I have over the last 12months been studying the tawny frogmouth and working on some ideas - drawings and prints - based around these interesting birds. Tawny frogmouths are often mistaken as owls but they have weak feet and as such are not part of the 'owl' family but are 'nightjars'. When confronted they use... Continue Reading →
Wildflowerings - Art Studio Diary 