A Goldfinch Nest Sketch

In between learning more about printmaking, hatching plans and projects and ideas for next year I am getting back to some observed drawing. I have to say that autumn is not my favourite season.
The approaching  restrictions and constrictions of dark and cold just don’t suit me and I hate these darkening nights.

But there are a few compensations, such as wonderful seed pods and fruits, beautiful curling dried leaves and the odd dislodged bird’s nest. Down by the reservoir I found this tiny little nest.
There is nothing much to it really, just a shallow, carefully woven, dish with a downy centre.
It’s made from grasses and sheep’s wool with a little moss here and there…and a tiny feather still attached.
I think it is the remains of a goldfinch nest. It seems an impossibly small and insubstantial family home and as goldfinches apparently build their nests towards the ends of branches it seems even more precarious.

nest 2

Two small pen and ink sketches 4”x 2.5”

nest bg

Goldfinch Nest Sketch: pencil and watercolour 10 x 5”

The goldfinches are delightful. We see them swoop from teasel to teasel in the late summer.