2009 International Birdfair, Rutland Water

It's almost Birdfair time again and as usual we are both running around trying to get paintings, frames and printing finished! I will be taking along a really nice selection of work this year, though I might find it hard to top the Gannets, which sold on the first day and attracted plenty of admirers.
Amongst them is this painting of two young peregrines about to leave the nest which is one of my favourites. I really enjoyed painting this, particularly the play of light on the warm rock of the quarry. it's a special piece.
I'll also have another gannet painting, though this one is a little more risque (!) - you will have to come to the fair or visit my website to see why!
There's also a lovely swallow, teal, gadwall and I may even have space for a couple of fish pieces.
The Birdfair runs from Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd August.

Photographing Kingfishers

My Wife Lisa was lucky enough to photograph this little beauty from the office window. He stuck around for at least half an hour, after the trout parr in our stream no doubt!
He's also been visiting our pond so I have set up my pop-up hide down there, along with a strategically placed perch, in the hopes that I will be able to photograph him there. Typically he came down yesterday whilst the two of us and the mad spaniel were down there feeding the roach. He stuck around in a nearby tree waiting for us to go, so I have high hopes of some lovely photographs in the coming weeks, as long as the weather stays fine.


Here's the hide
in all its glory.
Now to sit and wait!