"Courting Bluebirds"
In May of this year (2009), Linda & I spent a few days at Grayson Highlands State Park near Galax VA. The park is best known for the herds of wild ponies that roam the highland pastures, but I'm drawn to the bluebirds that have been nesting there on each of our three visits. I happened to catch a pair in the act of their courting ritual this year and got this painting from the experience.
"Merritt Island Osprey"
On a recent trip to Florida, Linda and I visited Merritt Island NWR. As we were driving to the Black Point Nature Drive, we spotted this osprey just a short distance from the road. We have lots of osprey in New England, but they're not very tolerant of humans. This osprey ignored us as we took photographs for some minutes. I painted this from one of those photographs.
"Burrow Sentry"
On a memorable trip to Machias Seal Island, off the coast of Downeast Maine, Linda and I photographed Atlantic Puffins by the dozens as they carried on their lives just a few feet away from us. The puffin with the fish in its beak is carrying food to a chick in a nearby burrow.
Awarded Judge's Choice in the 2009 Blandford (MA) Fair Art Show.
"Captains of Machias"
The Canadian government has sovereignty over Machias Seal Island but they cede their authority to the puffins, terns, razorbills and murres during nesting season.