Eastern Phoebe, Golden Rod, Iron Weed ~ "Patiently Watching" ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor Hummingbirds This second study allowed me

This second study allowed me to push the tonal range further — deeper shadows

This painting commands attention in studies

And the yellow flag iris stands over all of it

Perfect for entryways

and their yellow feet — which they shuffle to startle prey — remain one of birding's most distinctive field marks

Eastern Phoebe, Golden Rod, Iron Weed ~ "Patiently Watching" ~ "Songbirds & Friends" ~ Watercolor Hummingbirds This second study allowed meThe Eastern Phoebe is a watcher. It perches on a low branch, wagging its tail, calling its own raspy name fee bee and waiting, perfectly still, until an insect passes; then it darts out, snaps it from the air, and returns to the same perch to watch again. Patience is its whole way of living, and that is the heart of this piece. I set it against the gold of goldenrod and the deep purple of ironweed, the two flowers that close out the meadow's year