I came across numerous examples of these treehoppers feasting on our Redbud tree last summer. They seemed to be more abundant for some reason. My only guess is that the treehoppers liked the fresh, young growth the tree was forced to … Continued
Black-capped Chickadees are great little birds. They are probably one of the most recognizable birds in North America. I can almost imagine Black-capped Chickadees, American Robins and Cardinals arguing about who actually is the most popular. They seem too agreeable … Continued
This is a sketch of a Red-brested Goose that I saw at the Toledo Zoo. It is a bird I knew nothing about before seeing it in captivity. They are endangered geese from Northern Asia. Its Latin name is Branta ruficollis. Other … Continued
We’ve had no Common Redpolls yet this winter. I sure miss seeing them. This drawing was done from photos I took of Common Redpolls visiting our thistle feeder two years ago. Redpolls are fascinating birds. To me they seem kind … Continued
I had a blessed childhood for a myriad of reasons. My parents were big animal lovers, and bordering our backyard was a massive wood lot to explore. Many a summer day was spent flipping over rocks looking for salamanders, playing … Continued
“Grasshopper!” That is the usual answer that I get when people have seen sketches or photos that I’ve taken of katydids. That is a pretty reasonable guess. Katydids, grasshoppers and crickets all belong to the order Orthoptera. The katydids certainly … Continued
One Carolina Wren wasn’t enough! These cute birds can make quite a racket at times. The males are exceptionally vocal, making a “teakettle-teakettle-teakettle” call. These wrens are also known for making nests in odd places. I’ve seen photos of their … Continued
I like the Carolina Wrens. I’m always impressed that they brave the frigid cold and stay around all winter. In the bitter weather they regularly hide in our window wells to get out of the harsh wind, snow and cold. … Continued
This is a pencil sketch of a Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus) from the Toledo Zoo. They are also sometimes called Spur-winged Lapwings. They get their name from a claw-like spur hidden under each wing. The birds are common in sub-Saharan … Continued
Page 50. I’m now halfway through my hard bound sketchbook without any major artistic disasters! The pressure is on to have a strong finish in the second half. The cover and binding of the sketchbook is starting to get pretty … Continued