Friday, June 29, 2007

EDM 125 - Chipping Sparrows


These little Chipping sparrows frequently come to nest in the big spruce tree in the back yard. They are quite small, and quite noisy. Chipping refers to the sound they make which is not very melodious. They perch on the very tips of the long branches and loudly taunt the cat for being too slow and fat to catch them. They are native to this province, but they are usually only around in the summer. They have bright rufous caps that often stick up like little cowlicks. My bird book* says they prefer to build their nests using black horsehair if they can get it, but any hair will do. I've not found their nest yet, although they usually nest at eye level in the fork of a coniferous tree. Best of all, they love to eat "adult and larval invertebrates" which includes mosquitos. I love to draw birds so I really enjoyed this challenge. And sparrows are so cheerful and resourceful that they are one of my favorites. This was done with Pigma pen and watercolors in the Aquabee sketchbook.
* Birds of Alberta by Chris Fisher and John Acorn

12 comments:

Lin said...

WHAT A GREAT JOB!! No matter who else is singing, those sparrows always add to the chorus! LOVE to see these, Lynn!

Teri said...

These are so so cute! I love these little birds when they 'chip' around. Great job on these.

biteyourowntail said...

I think your enjoyment comes through in the drawing. A beautiful job.

Serena Lewis said...

Your love of birds shows in your sketches, Lynn....great job ~

sisu said...

How cute! I stayed once for a week in Tucson AZ.. Ooh, the birds were wonderful, I could have watched and listened to them the entire time...
Your birds are wonderful...!

Karin (sisu)

Laura said...

This is wonderfully done Lynn! You can tell from your sketch that your subject interests you -enjoyed reading your commentary as well. Thanks so much for visiting and your kind words.

Jana Bouc said...

These are wonderful! So charming and sweet and perfectly rendered. Delightful!

Ian Harrison said...

Great illustration, made me smile to see these lively little birds.

Anonymous said...

Well done, Lynn - how are you liking the Aquabee? It's pretty good isn't it! The sparrows around here are really very active right now - it must be the season.

Anonymous said...

These little birds are so precious! Good work!

Shelly McC said...

Lovely drawing. Great blog!

Anonymous said...

Great job! I love birds, too, and yes some of them can be annoying and loud, but I love them anyway. This is wonderful!