Mallards and Herons and Sandpipers, Oh My!

Mallard on top of the dam
Aug. 22, 2013
conté pencil

Mallards and a heron below the dam
Aug. 25, 2013
colored pencil

The mallard ducks have returned. With the low water now, they are able to rest and dabble on the top of the dam. And below the dam. And all along the river. They are frequently joined by a Great Blue Heron and a charming but shy sandpiper. It's nice to have all the birds back!

Sandpiper
Aug. 22, 2013
colored pencil

Great Blue Heron
Aug. 28, 2013
conté pencil

Dam-nation!

The river level has finally, consistently been receding and things are getting interesting again down where the Charles River goes over the South Natick dam. Ripples and riffles appear below in the shallows. Mallards dabble at the top of the dam and small armadas comb the current before it goes under the bridge. The great blue heron stalks everywhere in the process he scatters nonplussed ducks out of his way with his menacing beak.

The mallow, a hibiscus-like flower blooms above the dam and a small plover or sandpiper flits from boulder to boulder its tail constantly bobbing as it searches for small things to eat.

Fair weather is predicted for the coming week. I'll keep drawing!

Aug. 22, 2013

July 27, 2013

Aug. 5, 2013
the fishladder can be seen int he bcuase

Aug. 6, 2013

Aug. 11, 2013

Aug. 13, 2013

Aug. 19, 2013

Aug. 19, 2013 (detail)

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron
08-13-13
charcoal

Great Blue Heron
08-14-13
colored pencil

Great Blue Heron
08-18-13
charcoal

Tall Ship

Tall Ship from Napatree Point, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
charcoal
8/4/13

Tall Ship (detail)

Napatree Point
charcoal
8/4/13

seagull and friend
ballpoint pen
8/413

Watch Hill lighthouse
ballpoint pen
8/413

Over the weekend, we were exploring Rhode Island. Specifically: Westerly, Watch Hill, Napatree Point and Beavertail State Park. The weather was fantastic. I hope you're having a good summer too!

Bonne journée!