Birds in Art/Art in Birds, Entries 211-220
211. Donna Wilcox, Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet, Florida
The first picture is of Turkey Buzzards on a home in Melbourne Beach, Florida. There was a bull shark that had washed up on the beach and I noticed all these turkey buzzards on the neighbor's roof just waiting to descend. I thought it was a good example of how turkey buzzards enjoy the Florida lifestyle.
The second picture is of a Brown Pelican in flight on Melbourne Beach, Florida. To me, it is a picture of art in motion.
The third picture is of a Pelican and a Wood Stork on the fishing pier at Sebastian Inlet, Florida. Even though they had been fighting with each other over morsels of fish, I caught them in a moment of peace.
The last two pictures show the majesty of the Osprey also taken in Melbourne Beach, Florida
212. Graeme Rosenau, La Mirada, California
This image combines the realistic Eared Grebe with the surreal forms and colors of the water. It's as if the bird is swimming through a dream. Can it be dreaming of fish or other delights even while it searches for them? The photo may stir the human viewer to ask, "What am I dreaming about and searching for?" Following the clue, a viewer might be led into a deep and maybe even life-shaping meditation.
213. Bonnie Folnsbee, Poland, New York
Most of us at some point in our lives have felt the need to be a bit pretentious, it may have been to attract a potential mate or impress a possible employer. In today's world I feel that it is too often taken to the extreme. For instance, the neighbor who feels the need for a bigger, better vehicle because they feel their neighbor has the bigger, better house. People who put on a front in order to be accepted. In my opinion the natural world has the ability to inspire and amaze without outside influence and nothing is more peaceful and real then being surrounded by this.
Nature photography is a passion of mine. Thank you.
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Unpretentious The definition of pretentious is the expression of exaggerated importance. Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit, especially when unjustified. The word unpretentious is the lack of exaggerated self-importance. Unpretentious is a unique way to describe the feathered creatures that impress and inspire us just by being themselves. By going about their daily business and doing exactly what nature intended them to do. The birds outside my window inspire me in ways they could never comprehend. They are simply going on instinct, doing what they need to do to survive and insure the survival of their species. I have a variety of heart warmers which I enjoy watching, such as the Tufted Titmouse and Dark Eyed Junco. The Black- capped Chickadee is one of my favorites. No matter how cold and frigid it gets here they don’t seem to mind, while us humans sit in our warm homes and grumble and complain about the winter the Chickadees flit around energetically eating and hiding their sunflower seeds in the bark of trees and no matter what sound comes out of those tiny bodies, it always sounds warm and chipper. Northern Cardinals give us a splash of color during the short winter days. Goldfinches start to turn brighter yellow reminding us of the return of longer, sunnier days. Dark winter storm clouds are not so threatening when they serve as a backdrop for a sudden burst of Snow Buntings. On spring mornings I stand on my back porch with a cup of coffee and listen to the chatter of a House Wren, one of my favorite sounds of Spring. It’s nice to think that this bird is singing just for me but he does not do it to impress me, he is calling for a mate. He does not know or care that I enjoy listening to him. Aerial displays by Hummingbirds provide more entertainment than I could ever find on TV. The colors of Bluebirds, Blue Jays, Buntings, Orioles, Grosbeaks and Tanagers are nothing short of breathtaking, any artist would long for such a colorful palette. A camping trip would not be the same without the flute song of a Wood Thrush traveling through the forest. When I take my evening walks I just know the Veery has been waiting to sing it’s beautiful evening song to me (well, it’s a nice thought anyway). If you have ever watched a pair of songbirds raise their nestlings then I’m sure you would agree that their tireless care and dedication can be an inspiration for all and a marvel to witness. Few things capture the attention and inspire and amaze us human beings the way our back yard birds do. They create such a fuss that people travel for miles and cross state lines to see them. We painstakingly seek them out so they can be added to our life list. They are the inspiration for countless artwork projects, books, lectures and festivals. We form and join organizations so we may know more. We so enjoy watching these birds in their natural habitat that we would feel naked if our bird books and binoculars were not within reach. By doing the simple act of just being themselves and doing what comes naturally we can see what being humble is in its purest form. Our back yard friends do not have to put on a facade to impress, inspire and amaze us. Unpretentious |
214. Linda M. Hoch Auman, Freeport, Ilinois
215. Bob Godman, New Port Richey, Florida
I was standing admiring the bush with my wife, Carol, when this bird
landed. It was a windy day and he just sat there for quite awhile. I
took this photo along with several others. I like this one because the
wind is blowing his feathers.
216. Michael Ellis
217. Amber Wynn, Vero Beach, California
I included this picture into the contest because i think the bird (seagull) is a beautiful creature. I think people do not pay attention to them as much as they should.
