Kinglet of stick season

Stick season seems a distant memory.

Now it’s green as far as you can see. But not long ago, the grays of stick season created a quiet, neutral field where any saturated color could sing.

This little—four inch—golden-crowned kinglet darted through the tangle of leftover vines announcing the arrival of another spring migration. They move frenetically, and seldom hold still long enough to permit a photo. This one was most cooperative.

He flashed his crown for me—or more likely to another bird—in a display of territory defense, or perhaps courtship. It’s a treat to see the gold, and very rarely the cadmium orange stripe. Here it is in full display for you.

I hope you’re enjoying this amazing spring and the rich variety of birdlife that is passing through. Kate and I were lucky enough to get a few firsts of the year last weekend: Tennessee warbler, blackpoll warbler and three nighthawks.

Kinglet of stick season is an 8x8 inch acrylic on wood panel and it is now for sale on my homepage, along with one other painting that I finished this week. I hope to make more paintings available soon.