On a recent visit to the Kruger National Park, I found myself becoming more and more captivated by sightings of birds. Despite the fact that it was during the dry winter months when the migratory birds are far away in the northern hemisphere, it felt as though I was seeing a greater diversity than on many previous occasions; rollers and sunbirds, orioles and kingfishers, barbets, owls and coucals – suddenly it felt as though there were birds everywhere. Looking back at the photographs from the trip, I have become absorbed by the structure of birds, the detail of the feathers, the shape of the bills, the configuration of the tails. As a result of these observations, I’ve now embarked on a series of bird studies – both pencil drawings and watercolours. Given the incredible variety of species in southern Africa, this could be a long journey!

The Orange Breasted Sunbird is endemic to South Africa and occurs in the Fynbos regions of the Eastern and Western Cape. They feed on nectar, insects and spiders and build densely packed nests of small dry twigs, heather, soft vegetable fluff and spider webs. During the breeding season the males become highly territorial, chasing off not only competing males of their own species but all other sunbird species as well. When displaying to females or guarding a territory, the males sit high on exposed branches, heads up, feathers sleek against their bodies and tails slightly flared – daring intruders to challenge their obvious supremacy!

A framed, original pencil drawing on Fabriano 250g Acid Free Watercolour Paper. Worldwide courier delivery is included in the price.

Size: 430mm x 560mm