Hummingbird week

It wouldn't be a true Hummingbird week without a couple more birds. Looking at these pictures I just have one silly thought. Hopefully I never get poked in the eye by one! Luckily I wear glasses.

Thirsty Bird

This thirsty bird is something that I painted a few years ago. I pulled it out of the basement archives for Hummingbird week. I love the whimsy of it. But if I were to paint it again I would paint the bird with more metallics. To try to capture the true beauty of the bird. I have alot of photos that I could use as inspiration. Look for those later this week.

Monster!

This is Hummingbird week. The theme will reveal itself. Although any painted hummingbirds that may or may not turn up later this week will in no way compare to the real thing. This guy looks like a monster bird. He or she is lucky to fly around the cloud forrest of Costa Rica. They zoom around in all their glory while the tourists snap their cameras as fast as they can. In fact that's my Photo tip of the week. When you're taking pictures of birds or animals. Take as many shots as you can, and get as close as you can. But it's really the quanity of shots you take that will ensure that you get a good one. This particular monster would take a split second break before feeding. Some of the smaller breeds just hovered near the feeder, never slowing their wings long enough for a good shot. For bird lovers this definately is a magical place. And the birds probably love it as well. If it wasn't for all the tourists, that tasty red sugar water probably wouldn't make an appearence every day!

Snakes On A Painting

Today's title puts a big smile on my face. Another reason I'm smiling is that I am finally done with this painting. It was a little more difficult than most. Can you guess the reason? The Snakes have some extra parasites or something. Obvious...maybe. Sneaky...scary and fun hopefully! I started this painting awhile ago and finally felt up to the challenge of finishing it. Let me know if it puts a smile on your face...

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

This is one of my favorite places in Florida. The theme parks may be more exciting and the beaches are hard to beat. But when you're here it's just you and the birds. They sing beautifully as you walk through a maze of old cypress trees. Quiet...calm...peaceful. That's what you'll feel when you're here. And it's easy to take a good picture. I love the zig zag direction of the path in this picture. Photo tip... just bring the camera!
And stay on the boardwalks. There are Alligaters in these swamps!