What do wolves think about? Do they wonder about what they will find to eat? Do they worry about when a loved one will return? Do they contemplate if they have chosen a good place to live? Do they worry about the intrusion of wolves from other packs who might harm them? This wolf appears to be thinking deeply about something.
Seeing a dove in my yard always makes me feel calm. They are such gentle creatures, never scrapping or fighting with other birds. They usually just step aside and yield the right of way. They like to find a sunny spot on the ground and take a nap.
Starlings only seem to visit my yard for a brief day or two when the crab apples on my tree get to a certain level of ripeness. It's usually in late winter when the fruit is mushy. I have to listen for the squeaky sound of the flock, and grab my camera before they decide to fly off.
Wolves born in captivity are important to the recovery of the Mexican Grey Wolves in the wild. Do not feel sorrow for those who live in captivity, as they are cared for and provided a cushy life for their contribution to the survival of the species. We are privileged to be able to see them, and grow to love them. Many zoos and centers are dedicated to their welfare, and sponsor cross fostering programs for puppies to ensure future generations. The patience it took to see these puppies emerge from the den in a captive environment was well worth the time spent waiting when nothing seemed to be happening. The thrill of seeing something rare is the reward.
I was so happy when my Blue Jay decided to sun himself in my crab tree before dashing off with another peanut to cache. Afraid of scaring him away, I dared to step out on my deck, with my naughty sheltie barking at my heels, and to my delight he was not afraid and stayed long enough for me to click some snap shots to use as painting reference. The warm sun he was using as a heat source probably kept him still, but mostly the bold temperament of the blue jay kept him from leaving.
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The Blue Jay couple I was plying with peanuts have apparently moved on to their Winter stomping grounds. They only come back occasionally when the weather warms up so I know they haven't forgotten me. I hope they return more regularly this Spring and bring some babies with them. Maybe a few will stay here more permanently.
This is a mated pair and the daughter of the female. The two females were injured in the wild, and rescued by a zoo to become part of the breeding program to preserve the endangered Mexican Grey Wolf. I painted them in what would be their natural habitat of the Southwestern states of the USA.
A friend on Instagram lent me this photo to paint from. I thought it would be interesting to show the wolf emerging from the darkness. I think the stealth ability of the wolf to sneak up on us elicits an innate fear we have of predators. But in fact wolves are much more afraid of us than we should be of them. They notice us first, and avoid contact and detection. It is a rare for them to attack a human, but still the image of the big bad wolf remains. I prefer to think of them as fellow travelers just trying to survive the same as we are.
It's hard to comprehend that someone could shoot this beautiful animal for sport.
Detailed look at one of my favorite birds. Noisy, bold, smart and a beautiful blue.
Winter has arrived with the first dusting of snow. Birds reminisce about Summer. The last of the leaves have fallen from the trees. The leaves, like paper, their colors poems written by the sun.
Adolescent wolves much like human teenagers can appear gangly and awkward as they wait to grow into their long legs and large paws.
