Sunday, February 20, 2011

Wintering Whooping Cranes

We have been lucky enough to have a pair of Whooping Cranes wintering in our county. We have driven to the out of the way area where they have stayed several time to watch them. We are wondering how long they will stay since it is warming up here. These whoopers have tracking radios on their legs. I didn't put those on this one. It is fun to know where these birds came from but I sort of dislike seeing the tracking equipment on them. It just isn't natural. All the resident birds are singing and setting up territories now.  Are the birds in your area singing yet?

16 comments:

Laure Ferlita said...

What a wonderful sketch, Lisa, and such fun to be able to observe them! I guess we have to take the good with the bad...that tracking info is helpful to know what's going on with the birds.

Since this is Florida, the birds have been quite busy singing their songs and gathering nesting materials.

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Lisa this is really good. How fun to get to see these in person.
Laure is right about taking the good with the bad. But I know how you feel.

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa, I love cranes....there is just something about the way they move.
I love the delicate nature of your artwork Lisa.......you have shown the crane well.

I do not like seeing tags on birds. I suppose it is necessary but like you, I do not think it is natural.

Teri said...

A very neat sketch Lisa and love to hear your thoughts. When I first saw them I wondered if they were headed back to Wisconsin to the wildlife area near where we live. That 's the place that flies south with them in the fall.

PAK ART said...

That's a great picture of the cranes. I was fortunate enough to see one once, they are stately birds with those long legs and slow walking. Great sketch and color!

SandyCarlson said...

Thanks for sharing your good fortune!

studio lolo said...

very nice! I love the subtle shadowing of the feathers. I did a set of crane notecards a hundred years ago. But yours is beautiful!

Julie said...

I hear birds singing all night and early before dawn. Can't tell you what kind...but they are so fun to listen to~!

Beautiful painting you do there!!!!! Gorgeous birds!

Quiet Paths said...

I love this watercolor. Wonderfully done. And yes, I feel the same about the radios. Lucky you guys seeing them.

Katiejane said...

Lovely, lovely painting. I have never seen one of these birds in "person". Perhaps the tracking device is to help them multiply. Maybe they will travel to Cincy some day.

steviewren said...

Your painting is beautiful!

Robins have made their appearance here. I saw a pair playing together in the backyard yesterday.

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
how very exciting to see the Whooping Cranes....you are so lucky indeed. I understand how the radios are upsetting. guess they help keep track of the Cranes.
We have so few left. Hopefully their numbers will continue to increase and the radios will no longer be needed.
Seeing Whooping Cranes is on my "hope"
list!
A few birds seem to be getting in the spring mood...
Sherry

ArtPropelled said...

Beautiful sketch Lisa. Our birds are preparing for Autumn. I can feel it in the air.

marianne said...

I saw these awhile ago but didn't comment....
Lovely painting and good you left the device out. It just doesn't seem right on them Just like cows with those labels on their eyes like we have here. Animals are always beautiful the way they are.

yoon see said...

Wow! Brilliant!
The couple cranes are so in love here. Love the minimal colours and yet the painting shows its character, gracefulness and softness in just one view.
Thanks and it's just so so delightful!

Bye Lisa!

Margaret Ann said...

Stunning illo! Love your red blog background...Really elegant! :)