- Yolo County Barn - Open Edition Print from Watercolor Original
- White Pelican Open Edition Print from Original Watercolor
- Western Meadowlark Open Edition Print
- Robin's Rooster (Kitchen Chicken Art) Print from Original Watercolor
- Roadrunner 1 - Open Edition Print from Original Watercolor + Ink artwork
- Reuben Sleeps - (Reuben the Rabbit) Open Edition Print from Original
- Reuben in the Garden - (Reuben the Rabbit) Open Edition Print from Original
- Mourning Dove - Open Edition Print from Original Watercolor
- Magpie 4 - Open Edition Print from Original Watercolor
- Lady - Stylized figure Open Edition Print from Original
Yellow-Headed Blackbirds
I was taking some photos of some red-winged blackbirds. It is mating season and they are flashing their colors. Their epaulets are bright red and orange and are remarkably stunning! Then I spotted these Yellow-headed Blackbirds among them. I haven’t seen any of these for quite a while, and I only saw these two: usually you see them in larger groups. It was good to see a couple of them. Perhaps there will be more; I’ll keep looking.
Cooper's Hawk & Red-winged Blackbird
Red-wing in charge!
The Cooper’s hawk is a real terror for smaller birds. While hunting they like to fly fast and low through wooded areas. Around here they will stake out a walnut orchard for their own personal hunting grounds. I’ve seen their terrible proficiency in capturing small birds. With this in mind I was surprised to see an occasion where the tables were turned. Apparently this one Cooper’s hawk had ventured into a breeding area of Red-winged blackbirds. There was this Cooper’s hawk trying to make it to the security of a tree with a Red-winged blackbird firmly attached to it’s back. I lost sight of them, so I don’t know how the story turned out; but it seemed like the Red-winged blackbird was squarely in control of the situation.
Red-Winged Blackbird and Story
red-winged blackbird ink on paper by John Monroe
Many years ago, when I was in college, I had a friend who loved red-winged blackbirds. Jerry, believing that red-winged blackbirds were magical birds, proceeded to tell me a story. He was once lost on a deserted country road in unfamiliar territory. When finally becoming more and more disoriented, he just stopped the vehicle in a quandary over which way to go. At that point this bird, a red-winged blackbird, landed on his hood. The bird then began to move in some strange and indescribable manner, which Jerry interpreted as directional instruction. Then, following the advice of this “muse”, he found his way back to familiar territory and continued his adventure.
let’s connect!
shop drybrushwet!
BuyOpen Edition Prints at my eBay!Store
Buy Drybrushwet Swag!
Visit my Cafepress Store Today!
