February 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.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 16th February 2001
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have become rather scarce in recent years. However the belt of woodland south of Colchester remains a good area for them, and early Spring is best. At this time they are more active and vocal, and tracking down the source of the ringing call can lead to good views.This female was heard calling first, and then spotted high in the outer branches of an ash tree.
A wintry walking weekend in the wilds of Snowdonia, North Wales didn't produce many birds, in fact the only birds on the tops were Ravens and Herring Gulls hoping for a share in hikers sandwiches. I did manage to find some Dippers however, with a pair below the Waterloo Bridge in Betws-y-coed. And what good value they are , constantly diving, calling, chasing, a myriad of shapes and postures to sketch and all amongst the mossy rocks and swirling icy water, fantastic.
