Tuesday, July 31, 2012

A Tiding of Magpies

There are three magpies hanging around my small back yard.  They sit on the branch of the big tree each morning and squabble like siblings on a road trip. They peck each others' heads and chase each other around the yard.  They are noisy and vexatious.  I'm sure they are siblings because world wide inter webs tell me that magpies mate for life and hatch a clutch of three chicks.  They are curious and clever and fearless.  They often perch on the flower pots on the deck as long as the tabby cat and the curly-haired dog next door are safely inside.  I think they admire their reflections in the patio doors.  They are fat and brash and endlessly entertaining. And, yes, a group of magpies is called a tiding - I guess they are bringing us all the neighbourhood gossip and tidings.
Watercolor int Moleskine sketchbook.

24 comments:

echogo said...

My neighbour magpies are doing crazy imitations. I couldn't figure out what the noise coming out of the fir tree was. It was one of the funniest noises I have ever heard a bird mimick. You cought the colour nicely in this sketch.

Shirley said...

Lovely colorful, bright painting of your morning friend!

Unknown said...

Great sketch, I like the cool colours against the colourful background.
A 'tiding'.. ? I've learnt something new too!

Anonymous said...

Lovely beautiful colours!

Carolyn Dube said...

What a beautiful bird! I never knew a group of them were called a tiding.

Jennifer Edwards said...

Mojo is definitely back! Love the simplicity of shape and color Lynn!!

Daniele Valois said...

so pretty!

carin.c said...

I really like the play of the bird against the background of flowers and vegetation.

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Being a bird lover and doing a journal that features many birds I enjoyed this a lot. Wonderful work. HPPF belated.

Jen @Sadie Inspired said...

Beautiful bird! I love the bright colors of the flowers in the background too. :)

bohemiannie! art said...

brilliant and beautiful

Lynn Cohen said...

that is one of my most favorite flowers in the background. the bird is lovely too in his coat of blue!

Netty said...

terrific artwork. Happy PPF, Annette x

Susan said...

Wonderful artwork! I think magpies are a hoot. Have you seen what a trashy nest they build? It is amazing the thing stays put, and each year they come back and add to it. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

K J D said...

I love your magpie painting, especially with the colourful nasturtiums behind.

I was told when I was young that when you see a magpie, to avoid bad luck you should say "Good Morning Mr Magpie and hello to your wife and children" - I still do it everytime!

Karen

Siggadisart said...

A beautiful little bird.

carlarey said...

I am deeply envious of anyone who can paint birds!

Victoria said...

Wowness..what a gorgeous magpie..such a beautiful soul..the colors have such a striking vibrancy and life to them..wonderful energy..super beautiful piece!! So lovely to meet you and a fellow Canadian( I am from Ontario)! I love your blog..
Victoria
Visiting from PPF!

Natasha said...

Great sketch, a lovely vibrant energy. I never knew a group of them was called a tiding, that is my new thing I learnt today!

Lynn Cohen said...

Love the colors flowers, leaves and bird! Hope it is safe from the Tabby. We have one of those and it has killed a bird or three in his day! HPPF!

Mary C. Nasser said...

Gorgeous watercolor painting!
Love your description of the magpies, too! Must be delightful to watch!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

creativechai said...

Beautiful painting, I love the foliage.

Tiding! my new word for the day, thanks for that :)

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely magpie ~ creative and colorful work ~ (A Creative Harbor) on Tuesday ~ ^_^

Vicki Holdwick said...

Such beautiful colors, and I learned a new tidbit - a group of magpies is called a tiding. Now wouldn't it be interesting if I ran across that clue in a crossword puzzle - and knew the answer???

xoxo