March 2, 2010

Cindy's Nature Sketchbook: Downy Woodpecker

A pair of Downy Woodpeckers began to appear at the suet feeder. I captured a few photos before they flew off. I've since learned that the male has the red mark on the back of the head. I haven't been able to capture a photo of the female...she was a bit more cautious :-) but, a very pretty bird as well! Oh, before I decided it was a Downy, I did some arm chair study, Googled several sites, and conferred with my husband. We decided they were a pair of Downys. The Hairy Woodpecker has similar looks except for a longer beak and larger size.
Regarding the sketch, I sketched using a graphite #2 pencil. I used the photo below as my reference. After completing the sketch, I colored it in with watercolor pencils.

photo by cindyzlogic


13 comments:

Rick said...

You have a real gift - well, two (at least) - sketching and photography. Both of these are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

wow - I like your sketch!

cindyzlogic said...

Thanks for the comments and compliments, Rick!

Thank you, Roy, for stopping by and thanks so much for the compliment!

Anonymous said...

That is just brilliant Cindy.

cindyzlogic said...

Hey! Thanks, Roy! Nothing like being called brilliant! Hope you're having great birding across the pond!

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

Wow Cindy, Beautiful!

Teri said...

You are going to have so much fun with your nature sketchbook. I've been doing it for a long time and is my favorite kind of art.

cindyzlogic said...

Thank you, Debbie!

Thanks for stopping by, Teri, and thank you for the encouraging words :-)

Unknown said...

Nice sketch and picture Cindy, and about iding the two kind... one quick way is as you mentionned is the beak. TIP: The difference is that Hairy's beak is about the length of its head. As for the Downy, its beak is shorter than the length of its head. Found a good link for this... check it out http://tiny.cc/KDCWG

Shelley said...

That sketch for the DOwny is absolutely wonderful!! Wow!!!!

cindyzlogic said...

Thanks Mike and Shelley! Thanks for the tip, Mike on ID-ing the Woodpeckers...I'll check it out!

Kerri Farley said...

I am in awe of your talent Cindy! Fabulous sketch of the Downy! SUPER!!

cindyzlogic said...

Thank you for your wonderful compliment, Kerri! The same goes for you with your photography! I'm really enjoying having the time to work on my art!