Happy New Year!

Through December, Lucy and I have been using watercolors to paint birds. Most of the supplies that we used were given to us by the Montana Natural History Centers’ annual nature journaling class. Although a combination of our paintings are included, I wrote all the captions. I hope you enjoy them!

The Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata), is identified by its long, light, “tufts” of feathers that extend from behind the eye and the completely black body. They nest along the pacific coast of north america in small burrows. -Dottie

The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides), is widespread in the western United States and Canada. It is the only bluebird in the U.S. without the familiar red/orange breast. -Dottie

The familiar Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) ranges across the eastern U.S. and into the west. More U.S. states have chosen the cardinal as their state symbol than any other bird. -Lucy + Dottie

The Racket-tailed Coquette (Discosura longicaudus) has two 5 centimeter long tail feathers with a “racket” on the end. The male is around 10 centimeters long. -Lucy

The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), is a member of the grouse family. The males’ tail feathers stretch into a beautiful fan with white tips. -Dottie