By Chelsea Reed
It may be chilly outside, but it’s always bird watching season at Seaside Art Gallery! Today we’re going to see some beautiful birds that are featured in this year's Animals of Arts Show. Do you know what kind of birds they are? Test your knowledge and find out!
The Big Send-Off (Minnesott Beach Ferry, NC), Tony Craig, Watercolor
These salty birds are seen all over beaches in the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina. You can probably tell right away they are seagulls based on their location, but what kind are they? They might look more different than you’re used to. We’ll give you a hint - they have a distinct cackling call that sounds like a jolly laugh.
If you guessed “Laughing Gull,” you’re right! They’re depicted with winter plumage in this painting.
Pea Island Visitors, Beth Parcell, Oil Painting
These waterfowl are just a few of thousands of species that flock to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Some are year-round residents, while others visit every season to get away from freezing winter temperatures. With their pin-like tails and white neck markings, these birds are delightful to see in the beautiful marsh.
Have you figured it out yet? They are Pintail Ducks!
Splash, by Carol McClees, Oil Painting
You’re doing a great job so far! This one is easier to identify. Its majestic blue plumage is wonderful to see in person. This waterfowl likes to fish, and it takes residence all over coastal areas in the Outer Banks and the United States Eastern shore. The simple name is an accurate description of its grand looks and size.
If you said, “Great Blue Heron,” that’s correct! This one appears to be very active.
Backwater, by Gail MacArgel, Oil on Ivorine
Next, we found some feathered friends who are much trickier to identify. Most would say these birds are definitely egrets, with their white feathers and their long necks, legs, and bills. But then the real challenge begins...which egret species are they? Great Egrets, Little Egrets, or Snowy Egrets? Here’s a clue to sort it out. Look at the yellow coloring on their bills, and their feet. What do you think?
If you thought “Snowy Egret,” you’re right. Both the Little Egret and the Snowy Egret have yellow feet, but only the Snowy Egret has yellow on its beak, too. Adolescents have vibrant orange on their beaks that transition to a mellow yellow as they get older.
Morning Song, by Lauri Waterfied, Oil Painting
Who’s that adorable bird singing among the Morning Glories? By the looks of it, it seems to be a common type of songbird. It heralds the new day with a musical performance. Striking detail is captured in the gorgeous lighting of this piece. The glowing leaves wrap around what appears to be a fence post or pole.
Have you guessed who the cutie is? It’s a song sparrow!
More Feathered Friends Await You in Art
You can see even more stunning birds in the artwork at Seaside Art Gallery’s Animals in Art Show. A portion of the sales of these pieces go to help domestic animals and the loved ones who care for them.
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes online content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina
