April 2001 Sketchbook from England

By Richard Allen

Richard Allen started as a freelance illustrator in advertising, publishing and newspapers. Work has gradually drifted towards his main interest of birds and wildlife, especially after winning "British Birds", Bird Illustrator of the Year 1993. A keen birder from an early age, a move to the Essex coast and the bird rich estuaries and marshes has refueled a passion for field-sketching. Recent travels to China, USA, S.E.Asia, Senegal and many parts of Europe have continued this interest and filled numerous sketchbooks.

Richard lives in the village of Fingringhoe with views across country to the estuaries to constantly tempt him away from the drawing board.

Slavonian Grebe, 12th April 2001

A calm morning and high tide found me at West Mersea beach watching a scattering of Great-crested Grebes and amongst them a single Slavonian Grebe moulting into it’s summer finery . Frequently seen in winter in shades of black and white, it was nice to see signs of the summer plumage showing through in this Spring bird.

Yellow Wagtail, 24th April 2001

April showers bring out May flowers, they also bring Yellow Wagtails and twelve appeared this morning along the causeway at Abberton reservoir. They grimly braved the squally downpours, clinging to the fence wires, the males glowing in the dull light, before continuing to feed once the rain had passed.

Common Whitethroat, 28th April 2001

A familiar snatch of scratchy song and a Whitethroat appears in a small birch along the Wivenhoe Trail, Essex. Always perky and cheery the pinky breast of this bird contrasts with the bright green of the new young birch leaves.