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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.

Water Rail 17th January 2001

A cold snap had frozen all the floods along the Roman River not far from my home, a good time to look for Water Rail . By carefully stalking along the river's edge I managed to see several forced into the open by the freeze up . Catching sight of me they'd panic and disappear trailing a tangle of legs , but one remained on view long enough for a sketch .

Smew 18th January 2001

The wintry weather had also frozen much of Abberton reservoir , concentrating the wildfowl into the unfrozen patches and bringing a classic cold weather bird - a Smew . This male performed well , unperturbed by the ice and even getting a little frivolous by displaying to any passing female Goosander .
Waxwings 20th January 2001

More cold weather arrivals have been Waxwings with some large flocks in the north of the country . They often turn up around supermarket car parks and shopping centres where berry-bearing trees have been planted . My nearest regulars have been the "Copdock Five" on the A12 near Ispwich . When I caught up with these superb birds they were behind Pizza Hut gleefully ignoring the shoppers passing a few mertres away , if only more birds were this easy .

See other sketchbooks from Richard and other artists online at Surfbirds