The Cleanup Crew by Janette Slack

16" X 20"; Watercolor & Pastel

As part of Earth Day, I ventured outside this morning to clean up the street litter and garbage that often collects around a nearby retention pond over the winter. The crows, as usual, were there to help!

The crow's ebony coloring, aggressive loud cawing, and propensity to steal young fledglings have made these birds rather unpopular with many people. But, there is a flipside to this remarkable avian.

Crows are equipped with discerning intelligence, and can recognize humans individually. Their amazing problem solving skills allow them to break open food items (i.e. small containers) by dropping them to the ground from a 20' height. They possess incredible communication skills, and, as some scientific studies show, even know how to count.

Some people are terrified of contracting West Nile Virus from crows, but while a substantial number of these birds have died from the disease, scientists do not believe they spread the virus to humans.

As omnivores, crows will eat pretty much anything, including discarded fast food and roadkill. While many people feel that crows make a mess of the environment, these birds will actually help clean up the litter that we ourselves create!

Patio Visitor by Janette Slack

Patio Visitor (Chipping Sparrow)

16" X 20"; Watercolor

This past week, most of the snow has finally melted in Winnipeg! It feels wonderful to throw the windows wide open each morning, and listen to the magical trilling of songbirds. Our yard has now come alive with robins and juncos, and the chipping sparrows will soon be arriving.

Common throughout North America, chipping sparrows are one of the smallest sparrows. As ground feeders, they feast on seeds (sunflower, niger, and millet), and nest in conifers.

If you own a horse and spend a lot of time grooming it, don't discard the hair! Chipping sparrows, once called "hairbirds", love to weave horse hair into their nests. You can leave horse hair on twigs and bushes or near bird feeders - the sparrows will appreciate the effort!

The Sopranos by Janette Slack

The Sopranos

by Janette Slack

16" X 20"; Watercolor and Pastel

White-throated sparrows are one of my favorite birds - their springtime song is magical!

Unfortunately, the number of these talented, musical songsters is quickly declining in many states and provinces. These sparrows require small, cleared tracts of land surrounded by wilderness forest where they raise their young. Because of extensive logging and development, they are now left with fewer choice nesting areas.

The Beachcombers

The Beachcombers

by Janette Slack

7 1/2" X 18"; Watercolor

Taking leisurely walks along the beach can be a relaxing pastime. I've spent many hours watching tiny sandpipers as they race back and forth, pecking at the sand while escaping the incoming waves.

I wonder how they will fare during this latest oil spill?

Fisherman's Roost by Janette Slack

Fisherman's Roost

by Janette Slack

20" X 24"; Watercolor

Victims of hunting and DDT, Brown Pelicans were nearly wiped out until they were added to the endangered species list in 1970. Populations recovered quickly along the Atlantic coast, and hopefully, this species will soon be removed from the endangered list in all areas, including along the Pacific and Gulf coasts.

Unlike White Pelicans, who dip below the water’s surface for fish as they swim, Brown Pelicans dive-bomb the water from a great height to catch their prey.

This painting was created from several photographs of Brown Pelicans along the Florida coast. Each afternoon, they would roost along the piers, waiting for fishermen to return with their day’s catch. Waiting for a hand-out is far easier than fishing on your own!

Cat Stretch, watercolours on watercolour paper 21x30cm

Well, there is no news that a New Year means new beginnings when it comes to exercise and diets. Also getting fit means to use the legs instead of gas to get to and from work etc.

Cat Stretch,

watercolours on watercolour paper

21x30cm

$45

p&p is FREE

by Trine Meyer Vogsland

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