Bluebirds and Pine Bugs
“I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.”
Psalm 50:11
Mountain Bluebird, 2020
Graphite pencil on paper
11” x 15”
It’s Pine Bug Season and the birds couldn’t be happier. The annual inundation of pine bugs signals a sort of all-you-can-eat buffet for our local wild bird population. Birds of all different kinds gathered together for a feast this past week, despite the smoke still lingering in the air. It was quite the sight to behold. Black-capped chickadees, western bluebirds, and northern flickers all put on a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics. They were swooping and dive-bombing our front lawn, trying to snag a pine bug snack. What’s more impressive is that they seemed to be taking turns. Birds were lined up on the roof line, the gutters, and up in the trees, all patiently waiting for their chance. It seemed to be a carefully choreographed event and I had the privilege of a front row seat.
The little mountain bluebirds are my favorite. I love their plump little physiques and rosy orange cheeks. They always seem happy (even when there aren’t pine bug feasts) like jolly, little, cartoon puffballs.
I decided to render these fat, happy, little guys in pencil. Bird studies are such a classic subject and I felt a classic medium was only appropriate.
Northern Flicker, 2020
Graphite pencil on paper
11” x 15”
The flickers are a close runner up as my favorite bird. They have such splendid markings and they know it. Flickers, like other woodpeckers, are in the habit of striking iconic poses. Almost like they are saying: “You think I’m pretty? That’s nothing, you should see me in profile!”
Leptoglossus Occidentalis, 2020
Graphite pencil on paper
6” x 5”
And in honor of their sacrifice - the pine bug. Unlike the bluebirds, I don’t find anything cute about these guys. They do however feed the birds (who seem to find them delicious) and I can appreciate that.
One thing the bugs and birds do have in common is that they all belong to God. He loves and cares for them both, as so eloquently stated in Psalm 50. The birds and bugs are totally unaware that the Creator of the Universe loves them and is taking care of them, and yet He does. I find this fact very comforting. Whether you are aware of it or not, whether you know Him or not, God loves you! How amazing is that?! So every time you see a bug or a bird remember: God made you, just like He made them, and He loves you! And not only does God love you like the birds, He loves you more!
This week I leave you with Jesus’ words to the disciples,
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31).
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Angela, I loved this! Makes me want to move where you are to see all the different birds. Thanks for the visuals on paper and pen. Syl
ReplyDeleteIn honor of their sacrifice :) ... even the details on the bugs are amazing. I'd like to order 5 cards of the finished bird & 5 of your dandelion! I like the entire bird, but particularly the beak & face -they are so cheery & appealing. I can picture them waiting their turn at the feast :) It reminds me of "Now in putting everything in subjection to Him, he left nothing outside His control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him." I think the scene you created points to His presence there.
ReplyDeleteI love the pine bug. The segmented legs are fantastically accurate. As strange as it sounds, his facial expression is very evocative. You captured the inquisitive head tilt wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteYour post makes me almost like pine bugs....Almost. We need more birds to eat them around my place because they like to keep me held hostage in my house as they cover my door in creepiness.
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