Archive for March, 2008

Crow

March 21st, 2008

The Crow is probably the most recognized bird in America. Highly intelligent, this bird is a force with which to be dealt. The frog often makes a nice meal for a crow. Could it be that this frog has the upper hand in this scene?

Eastern Bluebird

March 19th, 2008

The Eastern Bluebird is truly the signal to northern folks that spring is close at hand.  They inhabit open fields and orchards, nesting in hollow trunks or limbs of trees on the field’s edge. (…)

Chickadee

March 17th, 2008

The chickadee is Maine’s state bird.  Maine’s state flower is the white pine cone and tassel.  This chickadee and cone were carved from tupelo wood.  The branch and tassel were hammered brass pieces soldered together.  This piece currently lives in Washington, D.C.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

March 13th, 2008

Oklahoma’s state bird is the scissor-tailed flycatcher.  His tail feathers are 7 to 10 inches long. (…)

Belted Kingfisher

March 13th, 2008

 
 

A solitary bird, the kingfisher feeds on small, shallow-water fish, crawfish, and frogs.  He can be seen flying swiftly ten to fifteen feet above the water. (…)

American Robin

March 13th, 2008

The American Robin is probably one of our most widely recognized songbirds. Who isn’t entertained by them as they bounce along our lawns “listening” for earthworms?

Paintbrush Bird

March 13th, 2008

A baby chickadee sitting on a paintbrush, what better gift to give an artist?   The chickadee and paintbrush were both carved from tupelo wood.  The brush handle sports the sentiment "Happy 60th".  As if one needed to be reminded.

Wren

March 13th, 2008

The Winter Wren is a little songbird with a whole lot of energy with which to be very active.  One may not catch more than a fleeting glimpse of this bird and if you’re amongst the privileged, you’ll hear his sweet melodic song.  He was carved from tupelo wood and is held in private  collection.

Hummingbird

March 13th, 2008

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most beloved birds found on the East Coast of the United States.  His feathers are iridescent green and his wings beat so quickly they make a loud buzz sound.  A strategically placed red-flowering plant will all but guarantee you a visit from this bird.  The bird and flowers were carved from tupelo wood.  The stem and leaves of the flower were made from brass and copper metal shaped, and soldered together.  This hummingbird is held in a private collection. (…)

Catbird

March 13th, 2008

The Catbird not only creates a yowling sound like that of a cat, but he also can be sneaky and vain, both attributes many would contribute to a cat.  Never silent, this songbird mimics many others’ songs as well as creating his own sounds.  This piece depicts the catbird perched on a magnolia branch, commanding the entire area around him.   The branch holds eight magnolia blooms in varying developmental stages from bud to full bloom. (…)

Goldfinch

March 13th, 2008

 The Goldfinch is one of the favorite visitors at feeders and gardens.  They make their daily living seeming not to care that human presence is nearby.  This goldfinch is depicted resting on a coneflower, one of it’s favorite  flowers in the garden.  The petals of this coneflower were carved from a single piece of tupelo wood.  The center of the flower is spun buck tail hair.  The bird was carved from tupelo wood. (…)

Northern Shrike

March 11th, 2008

Who would believe that this bird is classified as a songbird?  Also commonly referred to as the "Butcher Bird",  the shrike often preys upon other small birds, impaling them on thorns. (…)