An Artist’s Ode to Birding Experts
Posted by Kevin Clement
in Of Interest
I work with some top-flight, world-class bird experts. (You notice I refrained from saying “bird fanatics” or “bird freaks” or “twitchers”. One reason I refrained is that those labels don’t really apply to the individuals I’m talking about—they happen to be excellent all-around naturalists with a special affinity for birds. Another reason is that I love going birding with experts—it’s a great learning experience, and birding expeditions tend to go to the wildest and most adventuresome places–and if I insult them, they might not take me anymore.)
But besides finding and identifying birds while on a wildlife travel adventure, I love drawing them. My colleagues tend to carry binoculars and a camera; I carry binoculars and a sketchbook (and a field guide, which they seldom need). I can’t claim to have seen as many birds as they have, but over the years, I’ve drawn quite a few. So, with a grateful nod to my bird-crazy—I mean, bird-expert—friends, here’s a small collection of bird sketches I’ve done in the field.
Learn more about Expedition Leader, Kevin Clement, on his bio page.
