What looks like a racing goose is just one trying to clean all those layers of feathers. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
It takes a lot of energy to bath all those goose feathers. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The contrast between the ripple design in the harbor waters and the feathered pattern of the geese seemed to compliment each other. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Flexibility! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Appropriately named boat in Belmont Harbor. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Layers of Canadian Goose’s pruned feathers with the fluffy ones underneath peaking out a bit. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
While the dogs are away
The geese will play
In the waters of
Belmont Harbor’s Dog Beach
(image copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Something was ruffling this Sparrow. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Mates for life; a pair of Canadian Geese. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Shaking it’s tail feathers while hunting for a meal. It’s all in a day’s work. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Canadian Geese live in communal groups, migrate in groups, and depend upon community. These Canadians summer in North America; they are prolific immigrants to the Chicago area. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Still learning. I chose an old wall along Lake Michigan’s pathway to challenge myself this summer. I began plein air and spent quite awhile finishing indoors using photographs for support my memory. Why choose the wall? Because I think it has character; and I love characters. Hmm…..
The Red-wing Blackbird is an old favorite pal on my prairie adventures. Was able to take a good photograph of him, so painted him from the photograph.
And finally, two paintings were after I listened to a two part “20 brush strokes” class online. These were two projects, choosing five brush strokes learned (any 5 of 20). One is the wall (straight horizontal view) and the other is a field with trees in background. Just fun.
Enjoying retirement! Comments/critiques are always welcome and encouraged!
copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
A downy feather from some unknown molting bird rests temporarily during a moment of stillness in the air. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The male Red-wing Blackbird appear flighty and quite noisy when one strolls through the prairie. Here at a restored prairie-land in Lincoln Park, Chicago a Red-wing Blackbird remains alert while resting on a fence and then a pathway. The restored prairie is fenced and therefore protected; but the location around South Pond is a favorite hangout of families when visiting the adjacent Zoo making feathered parents alert and restless. Males may guard up to a dozen ground laid nests. It appeared that today he was watching some young ones practice flight. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A caring, vigilant father watching over his young. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A momentary change of location while this Red-wing Blackbird keeps close watch on passers-by. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Green Heron
Careful observation at Lincoln Park’s North Pond can reveal unique birds. This Green Heron (Butorides virenscens) probably wintered in the southern States or Central America. In the South they frequent coastal areas or Mangrove swamps. In the Midwest they are content to residency by ponds and wetlands. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Out of the water for a bit, this male Mallard tries to hide among the Dandelions. These images were all taken one morning at Lincoln Park’s North Pond. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Grooming is ever a process when out of the water. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Male Wood Duck sunning on a warm spring day. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Mallard Duck family enjoying an outing in Lincoln’s Park, North Pond, Chicago. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg