Sooo, it’s been a while since I went out with my sketchbook but yesterday was the day. It was cool and overcast, and I had spent a lot of the previous day standing around so it felt good to get out and stride through the leaves. I headed out at around 4pm so it was just beginning to think about getting dark, and the birds were making the most of the fading light. I just brought the dog, my Clairefontaine sketchbook, and a Tombow brush pen, as the weather looked a little changeable so I thought a sturdy medium and washable pen would be a good choice.
Lots of blackthorn and hawthorn shrubs line the Cuckoo Trail, with mature oaks and birches behind. There are areas of scrubby pasture and brambles, making it the perfect spot for many species. I have mentioned previously about the Tawny Owls, but I saw lots of songbirds:
- Blackbird
- Bullfinch
- Goldfinch
- Blue Tit
- Great Tit
- Long-tailed Tit
- Redwing
- Song Thrush
- Wren
- Jay
- Robin
It was really lovely to be out sketching and I am loving having all my art things so accessible so I can just pluck something from the pegboard and head out, instead of having to think too much. Thankfully my dog is pretty patient and doesn’t mind me stopping to watch and listen and attempt to capture the movement. The Great Tits were too fast for me (I am so out of practise!) but a little Robin sat obligingly on a fencepost so I was able to have more success with those drawings. It really is about just getting used to mark-making again after a break and so I am really pleased with my pages.
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