I began this painting - on a half sheet (15 x 22 inches) of Twinrocker 140# coldpress watercolor paper.
This is from a photo by Phyllis Chandler Grey in her book about AMI. If it turns out well, I'll make her a copy or maybe paint her a smaller one (easy to mail to her). As she says in her book, during courtship, the male offers a small fish to the female. If she takes it gently, they then mate. If she's too aggressive, he goes away and tries another more submissive female. This couple seems to be working out and the photo was one I really wanted to try first from the book. So...we'll see how it turns out!
5 comments:
What cute guys these birds are! really interesting to see them and I didn't know they are also named the Elvis Birds! due to funny plumage on heads!
We have Least terns that nest in my part of the country. I love to watch their courtship rituals. They also give and receive small fish.
Great start, Rhonda! Have never seen a tern. They are just beautiful!
lol didnt know that about them :) you would think he would want a pushy female to protect the eggs better
Thanks, Caroline. I think I and Jerry call them Elvis birds based on their black feathers that stick up and out - probably more like punkers than Elvis, but whatever :)
Thanks, Lisa, Chris and Jennifer Rose.
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