From the Terrace 8" X 8" oil on canvasboard

                                                                                  

One of the delights of this area is the many varieties of birds who live here or travel here seasonally. This little guy lives around the corner from us - one of many kinds of Flickers. I called these birds woodpeckers for the longest time because they are very much alike in appearance and habits. Both kinds will peck out a section of a Saguaro cactus and build a nest inside the hole for their eggs. When they're finished with it, the starlings arrive and take it over. Sort of like a vacation rental. Seems to work well!

This painting is available at auction at this link. Click here.

Baby Owl 8" X 8" pastel on Wallis paper SOLD

                                                                                 

This baby Great Horned Owl is one of many that makes their Spring/Summer home in this area. The parents  come every year and have up to three chicks. The big danger to them is falling out of the nest which may be in a tree, a barn or some other high place. They seem to be very curious as they stare at what's below or they may sleep often during the day to get ready for the night's activities. We often lay in bed at night and hear them as they call to one another.

This painting is available in an auction. Click here.

Night Raider 12" X 12" Oil on canvasboard

                                                                                

I have a love/hate relationship with raccoons. They're interesting, quiet and have amazing dexterity. On the other hand they are definitely scavengers, and no regular household garbage container could keep them out, at least back in the days when we lived in "raccoon territory." Every night we'd hear the cans being turned over and had to allow extra time in the mornings before work to pick up what they left behind. They'd come right up to the windows in the french doors and peer into the room where we watched television. Once we left the door open just a bit and they stuck their little paws into the room searching for treats.

Yet, the nuisance factor aside, we were hard-pressed to hold it against them. The "cute-factor" got to us in the end.