I seem to be developing a closer relationship with birds of various species this summer.  Time was, when a wren flew into the studio, I would leave the studio door open once I had finished work in the hope that it would find its own way out in the quiet of the night.  Later I learnt how to catch little jenny wren and free her myself.  There was one that used to come in on a regular basis.  I was pleased when it learnt how to fly in and out of its own volition and I began to welcome its company for the afternoon.  Notwithstanding having to cover any vulnerable pieces of work that were lying around!

Swallows were a different matter.  One would fly in, and as hard as I would try, I could never catch them.  All the bird’s friends and relations would be lined up on the telegraph wires outside chattering away in indignation and alarm.  I had to use the ‘door-open all night’ routine and hope for the best.  But last week I learnt, by trial and error, that a one handed technique could be used on a swallow to great effect, so now I can free them too.  Any bird that flies into my studio now can expect an excellent return to the wild service!

I was lucky enough to witness the very first flights of two buzzard fledgelings last week too.

There are any number of rooks that hang out around my studio and quite often they enjoy clattering along the roof above me.  I swear that before long I will understand their incredible vocabulary.  The 80x80cm canvas above includes three of my favourites.

(93bdbd)