A Welcome Swallow

New Zealand has a wonderful little native swallow called a Welcome Swallow.  I'm not sure how it got its name but I like to think that the little Welcome Swallows that I see zipping around outside my house, are welcoming me home.  They're very similar to the Barn Swallow of North America but the Welcome Swallow's tail isn't as long and glamorous.

284 - Welcome Swallow

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

US$85 plus $7 shipping

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283 - White-faced Heron

Today's little 5" x 7" study is another New Zealand species, a white-faced heron.  It's a small heron - about the size of the tri-colored heron in North America.  I see many more of them than I did when I lived in New Zealand years ago and my bird guide says they're 'an abundant native'.    I've seen them in a variety of habitats: along the coast, amongst the mangroves and in paddocks.  They're cute little guys!

283 - White-faced Heron 

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

US $85 plus $7

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A Tui

Today's little oil study is a New Zealand tui, one of my favorite birds!  They're nectar eaters so are commonly seen on the flowers of the flax when it is blooming.  They have a beautiful liquid song.
The tui is difficult to paint.  From a distance it appears black but when you're viewing it up close, you see the iridescent green and blue (and some brown) on the bird.

  

                             282 - Tui                                   

    5" x 7" oil study on board,  unframed.  US $85 plus $7 shipping. 
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A Pied Stilt

Today's little oil study is a 5" x 7" of pied stilts, a New Zealand species, similar to the black-necked stilt found in North America.  I see pied stilts and oyster catchers on the beach near my home in New Zealand but they're also found along rivers and pastureland, as with the black-necked stilt.

281 - Pied Stilt

5" x 7" oil study on gessoed board

US$85 plus $7 shipping

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Bob

I love painting cows!  This little guy is named 'Bob'.

Bob

7" x 7" oil on gessoed panel

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