Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Return of the American Tree Sparrow

Every winter I wait for the arrival of these little brown birds. They have such cute faces, and I love their two-toned yellow and black bills. I never know when they will arrive, but usually they seem to fly in on the night winds of a cold arctic blast, peppering the white snow around the feeders outside the kitchen window early the next morning. Nearly 2000 miles from their Arctic homes, these little birds bring a welcome surprise to our cold, gray winter days.

American Tree Sparrows Outside my Kitchen Window

Our little flock numbers seven right now. Last year, we started with three and moved up to 20 by mid-February. I hope we get another big winter storm soon to up our American Tree Sparrow numbers!

36 comments:

Michaela said...

You are so gifted, what a lovely painting. It's "alive" letting one "feel" how cute these birds are that you like so much.
:)

Sue said...

Kelly, I have so missed your paintings.....I'm glad I decided to sneak a peek today!!! Very Very pretty!!!
Now, back to hibernation!!.....

Wanda..... said...

Kelly...you are so talented. I enjoy your paintings and knowledge of birds...I will be watching myself now for these Sparrows!

troutbirder said...

What a gorgeous painting! My little tree sparrow haven't appeared at the feeder so far this winter. :(

Jayne said...

That watercolor is so very beautiful Kelly and captures them perfectly!

Roy said...

Great painting, Kelly. I'm still struggling to tell the different types of Sparrows apart.

Renee said...

I too love the Tree Sparrows! They arrived here in Maine right around Christmas and I've had a small flock persisting..... that painting is fantastic! :)

Montanagirl said...

That is a terrific painting, Kelly! You are so talented, and know how to put your talents to good use.

Diane said...

Kelly, what a beautiful and sensitive painting. I also checked out your "sketches" and just loved all of them!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kelly, Love your sketch of the sparrows. You are just SO talented.

We don't have many sparrows here ---but I've heard that they can be cruel to the Bluebirds --so I guess I'm glad we don't have many.

But you little tree sparrows are just so pretty. Hope you get LOTS of them.
Hugs,
Betsy

holdingmoments said...

A beautiful painting Kelly. Very talented.

Carol Mattingly said...

Gorgeous watercolor. You should be so proud. I can't draw a straight line even. Carol

Jenny said...

Lovely painting Kelly. I have to admit to being a wee bit envious of your painting talent! (-: My phone line (and therefore my comp too) has been out of action for several days, so I'm only just catching up!

Warren Baker said...

Seems you wait for the Tree Sparrows like I wait for the Bramblings. :-)

FAB said...

Super duper Kelly.
If Tree Sparrows turned up outside my window it would create a "twitch". FAB.

Chris Petrak said...

Yes! They are a bit a joy - and even color - from a little brown bird. Good painting!

Elaine said...

I love the painting! You've captured these little guys perfectly.

I'm enjoying seeing all the little birds that breed in the North show up at their wintering grounds. We're at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Vickie said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely!

Rambling Woods said...

Oh lovely...I have had only one here near Buffalo NY and it was a testy little thing going after the thistle on the feeders and pushing the goldfinch away....Michelle

Kerri Farley said...

Lovely birds - lovely painting!I've never seen these little ones around here.

MjB said...

What number do the Tree Sparrows come in on the 100 birds in a year project? They look good.

Take care,
---Mike

Kathy said...

Hey Kelly,
I was surfing and came across this:

http://www.southwellartists.co.uk/dmeasures2/source/13-2-85.html

I love the way you each saw your very similar subject so differently. Thought you'd enjoy it ; )

Johnny Nutcase said...

I just love your artwork, Kelly! So great and you get their little personalities just right. love it!

RuthieJ said...

Another beautiful watercolor Kelly! I have seen only 3 in my yard so far this winter, but they're certainly one of my favorite winter visitors!

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful painting - wonderful background textures and great psoes and rendering of the sparrows!

Jim H said...

Kelly, This is one of your best paintings, out of many! Almost has a photo-like quality. Keep these coming, as I love your paintings AND your photos!

Allison said...

What a wonderful gift your painting is! You have to come by and see my new blog banner!!! My husband took a new cardinal photo last week--and your banner inspired me to use his photo.

Erica Houskeeper said...

What a beautiful painting. Your work is amazing! You're right, the birds are such a wonderful surprise during the dark days of winter.

Cindy said...

Very beautiful painting. I love it.

Chris said...

HI Kelly,
Let's hope you will get more and that we will soon see pictures ;-)
Your painting are superb!

Heather said...

Wow, you get LOTS of Tree Sparrows! I think the most I've seen at once in our yard is 2. I'm glad they are back too - so cute, but ours can get sassy with the other birds sometimes!

ShySongbird said...

Just beautiful Kelly, I do wish I could paint like that :)

Kelly said...

Thanks, everyone!

MjB...this was painting #8 out of 100 paintings for the year...so far I'm right on schedule!

Anonymous said...

The main subjects are great Kelly, but that background is something else. Superb.

Kelly said...

Roy...it's easy to do. Add a heavy pigment load of background color, then sprinkle on salt. It's all an experiment then.

Kathie Brown said...

Beautiful painting of a sweet and beautiful little bird! I use to see them at my house in Maine.