- Alexander Smith
This young little Black Wattle tree at the bottom of our smallholding is earmarked for eradication, together with a couple of others that have sprung up again since the last clean-up. It's a constant and on-going battle against this alien, Australian species which spreads like wild fire if left unattended, threatening our indigenous trees and grasses. I decided we'll leave the dead one as it's a favourite look-out point for the Fiscal Shrike.
See the previous post about the ongoing battle against Black Wattles
As a small thumbnail icon on my Reading List, this looked like a small doodle that I would normally do! But then, I looked closely and it's pretty amazing. I love how you do watercolour, whenever I try it just gets messed up =/
ReplyDeleteThank you Teenage Blogger! You know what they say, "if at first you don't succeed..." - just keep on trying, practice makes perfect!
ReplyDeleteBlack Wattles and Fiscal Shrikes? I have never heard of either! They sound like snakes - eek! I love the sketch Maree. I really want to try some outdoor watercolour sketches. It's finally warming up a little here in the UK so hopefully soon. If they turn out like yours I'll be delighted!
ReplyDeleteGlad you'll be getting out to sketch and thank you for your kind remark Sandra! The Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris) is a member of the shrike family found throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is also sometimes named Fiscal Shrike, as well as Jackie Hangman or Butcher Bird due to its habit of impaling its prey on acacia thorns to store the food for later consumption. They're great little characters to watch!
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