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2008 sketchbook highlights by Richard Allen

Wryneck



Richard Allen: born in Newbury, Berkshire in 1964, an Art Foundation Course at Brighton was followed by a Degree in Graphic/Illustration at Kingston Polytechnic. Starting as a freelance illustrator in advertising, publishing and newspapers, Richard's 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, the bird rich estuaries and marshes of the Essex coast where he lives have fuelled a passion for field-sketching. Recent travels to China, USA, S.E. Asia, Senegal and many parts of Europe have continued this interest and numerous sketchbooks have been filled.

The experience gained in the field has been put to good use in the many books illustrated. These include, "Concise Birds of the Western Palearctic", "The Handbook of Birds of the World", "A Field Guide to the Birds of South East Asia" and the recently published "Sunbirds and Flowerpeckers". Current projects include a book on Birds of Paradise and illustrating a regular gardening column in "The Times" newspaper.

More sketches, paintings and prints can be seen at www.richardallenillustrator.com and www.birdingart.com



Cley Beach buntings

Cley Beach buntings, 27th March 2008.

Lapland and Snow Buntings on the storm tossed debris of a north Norfolk beach.


Lapwing

Lapwings, Wivenhoe, Essex, May, 2008.

Male lapwing on guard duty as the well grown young feed unconcerned.


Wryneck

Wryneck, Wivenhoe, Essex, 8th September.

A good local patch bird. it occasionally showed well sunning itself in the early morning sun.


Yellow-browed Warbler

Yellow-browed Warbler, The Naze, Essex, 9th October 2008.

This little gem appeared among a large arrival of Goldcrests, the silky white underparts showing well against the dark elder leaves.


Peregrine

Juvenile Peregrine, Colne Point, Essex, 14th November 2008.

This striking bird perched in the autumn sun for some time, just watching the panic it spread amongst the local waders and wildfowl.


Blackbird

"Black and Gold, November Blackbird", watercolour.

Late Autumn and the few remaining golden leaves of the blackthorn match the bill colour of newly arrived blackbirds.