HELP...With Identity of a Few Birds

OK 

Here is a bird identity question for you all

what is this swooping large bird

it came by in a small flock 

they all circled above my yard

I think eating dragonflies or gnats or some bugs

I could not find it in my bird book

I am guessing it is some kind of swallow

because of how it is flying

very long /large wingspan

white
 under wing stripe

these guys are fast fliers
 I found it very hard to catch a good photo
with my simple camera anyway

 I also spied a few woodpeckers

they look different from the downey woodpecker to me

is this possibly a hairy woodpecker ???

woodpecker
black wings with white stipes

two of the woodpeckers
they like swinging up from below the feeder

white / buff belly

small bit of red on top of the head

Hungry woodpecker feeding on some seeds

Let me know what you think

sorry my photos are a bit amateurish

the sun was not cooperating with me.

But...I just love watching birds

Hugs this wonderful (70's and sunny here) Monday !

KAT Griffin

Red-bellied Woodpecker Visit

 Hello There Red!

Here are a few photos of a Red-Bellied Woodpecker that comes here in the spring and summer.  He is bigger than the little downy woodpeckers that I have spied this winter, eating suet.  This guy likes the bird seed that I put out in the feeder.  He will eat with all the other birds without fighting, as you can see.  He does have an impressive beak, don't you think?  But, I would love to see one of those Pillated Woodpeckers that can be twice this guys size.., I've heard.  Spring has sprung a bit but the chill is still lingering.  I hope the snow that we are expecting tonight won't chase this gorgeous woodpecker away.

I am all moved into my new art studio that I share with a fellow artist.  Lisa is an abstract, colorful artist and we are very similar in our likes and attitudes.  She loves texture in her art also!

I'm working on a children 's book, drawing lots of  illustrations for a friends book about a cat named Creeper. His name is Danny Langone and he has the blog titled, "Ta-duhhh" over in my linked blogs that I follow.  He is  a very talented and witty author and a good person.  Check out his blog. and his books.  I am fine tuning the pictures a bit right now and trying out different painting styles .  I would like to try water-coloring the illustrations.

also... I am loving the fun of using my silicone nature molds of turtles, frogs, bees, butterflies.  I have tried making them look metallic in finishing them but colorful (green, blue, purple, orange)   and adding them to hair pins, necklaces, pins. 

Time to get to work.  I have a lot to get going on.


be back soon!    KAT

Bird watching from my kitchen window

Baby It's Cold Out There!

So lately I have not been doing a lot of bird painting. I have been bird watching and photographing from my warm little kitchen. I have four differnt kinds of seed and bird feeders in the trees in my back yard. In fact I am starting to get bored with the same trees and the same birds every day. I will enjoy Spring so much because I can get out there and take photos from other vantage [points anyway...and go out into the town and wood and wander around . YYes, this is the classic cabin fever starting to rear its ugly head.

So today I did go into the studios and painted on my landscape oil painting with the brown eyed Susan. I like it so far. but it is so slow painting with oils. Not at all my real style. But what can be done with oils is so cool and different. I don't like the chemicals involved in the process so I don't see my self doing a lot of oil paintings. but I will do more in the future. I'll post a photo of the oil painting next week probably. Hope someone will appreciate it. Wish I knew the trick to getting more followers to my blog...but oh well I shall trudge on no matter what with it. At least most of my family and friends stop by to check it out every once in awhile.

Enjoy these latest photos of some of my back yard visitors.

Woody and his gal (woodpeckers downy)
a big busted robin ( weird bird that one)
blue jay
sparrows
cardinals
titmouse
juncko

Winter art show 2010

The Winter art show is open and lots of great art pieces are on display at the Loveland Artist Studios on Main. I have three in the art show. the woodpeckers, the cardinals, and the trees at dawn is my only painting in the show. There will be ribbons given for first second and third place, peoples choice awards. It is, of course always a bit of fun for me to be included. Makes me feel included in the title "artists on main". I'm enjoying being set up out there and meeting more loveland-ites. The open house last night was very well attended. We had music (live) a trio of jazzy guys. drums, guitar and electric piano. the music was fantastic. just perfect. I finally got up nerve to ask the wine-guy a few questions. He is not an artist, he is an artist's husband ...He has a friendly, unassuming nature and is actually pretty easy to talk to. he takes donations for the wine and punch, beer, water...and it all goes to good charity in the area. I think that is a great thing for him to be doing. we talked about our kids and how he has a daughter in New your seeking fame and fortune. she will be coming to the open house next Saturday to sing for us. I look forward to that pleasure. I told him about Joe (son number two) and how he sings for the love of it. that he formed a barbershop quartet in High school called "Three guys and an average Joe" I sure wish they could come and sing at an open house for everyone..they were very entertaining! Sales are slow to nonexistent right now...not a good sign fore me. At least I am having a good time meeting people. a big step forward for me, being that I used to be home bound with fear of talking to strangers for so long. I am glad to have a positive change in my life and I thank everyone who has helped me. I met another artist or two last night. One named Rob is an artist that makes the most fabulous photographic collages. He is humorous and friendly and very grounded...no big ego or air of superiority in him. I think that is commendable and honorable in an artist and for any person in this materialistic, me, me, me world. Christmas is creeping closer and there is a lot of fun stuff to do. I feel I am preparing myself well this year. I wish everyone the best warm wishes (what ever that means,) and much Joy, and Peace.