Tuesday 25 September 2018

Masked weaver

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:


In winter, the males and females look pretty much the same: drab light brown. But during the breeding season the males turn bright yellow, with black mask and reddish eyes. They then construct their intricately woven nests, trying to attract a mate.

Friday 21 September 2018

Cape white-eyes

Cape white-eyes (Zosterops virens). Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm.


These are the archetypal tweety birds: round and fluffy and cute looking. They're quite common around here, where they move in small groups through dense foliage, looking for insects and chattering to one another.