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January 2002 Sketchbook from Essex

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.


See Richard's work in his latest book: Sunbirds: A Guide to the Sunbirds, Spiderhunters, Sugarbirds and Flowerpeckers of the World! (order online from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com)


Hen Harrier, Brightlingsea, Essex, 11th January 2002

A cold, misty winter's afternoon found me overlooking some grazing marsh ajoining an Essex esturary, hoping for some raptors and owls. I didn't have to wait long, a male Sparrowhawk perched briefly on a post was quickly followed by a ringtail Hen Harrier quartering the rough grass and reeds. In the murky conditions the white rump showed up well, especially when the harrier twisted in mid air and dropped onto unseen prey. A Green Woodpecker fed on the ground unconcerned, giving the harrier an occasional glance when it passed close. As usual for this time of year the light quickly faded and I left the harrier disappearing into the gloom.


Hen Harrier


Bullfinch, Wivenhoe, Essex, 22nd January 2002

I am fortunate in that my garden studio backs onto an area of woodland and a pleasant distraction from my work is the comings and goings of the tits, woodpeckers and finches. This female Bullfinch has been regular for a few days coming to feed on nettle seeds. It would hover to pluck the seeds from the heads, before perching amongst the brambles to eat them. This allowed a close examination of the subtle plumage detail, the purple/blue sheen to the tertials and tail, and the greyish nape.


Bullfinch


See more Surfbirds sketchbooks online from other artists