I found the photo online, with no photographer’s name. I don’t know the photohgrapher of the original image. In all the time we’ve lived in California, we’ve only seen a very few, fleetingly. Although they are rarely seen in the Pacific southwest, they are otherwise widespread. They are neither threatened with extinction nor seriously endangered creatures. These animals can be found pretty much all over North America, Canada and Northern Europe. Today we simply want to enjoy their beauty. Cherished except by those Brits who fox hunt, but that’s a story for another, sadder day. Many of us already know much of what is to be known about these well-loved creatures. Grey pencil, Tombow waterbased brushes, Prismacolor pencils, as well as black and white inks and charcoal. The photographer who took the photo that inspired my drawing is uncredited. The nests built by Bald Eagles are the biggest built by all birds in North America. Unlike most birds, adult male Bald Eagles are smaller than their female counterparts. Bald Eagles are sea eagles that usually occur inland along rivers and lakes. Harpy Eagles and Golden Eagles are both larger. That would be the Giant Philippine Eagle. I’ve always thought that these “bald” guys were the largest eagles in the world. They have thin, white feathers on their heads and necks. And, by the way, they’re not actually bald. The largest populations are found in Alaska and Canada. They are only found in North America, hence the term American” Bald Eagles. But 60? Who knew? The things I learn while doing research. I’d have guessed that were maybe five or six species. Worldwide, there are more than 60 species of eagles. Don’t just call this guy an “eagle.” Well, yeah, I am certain that it is an eagle. Materials for this drawing are primarily Prismacolor pencils and Tombow brushes mostly on the reverse side of the vellum, as well as white and black charcoals and inks.įirst things first. The inspiration for my drawing is another great photo by Tim Flach, a London-based wildlife photographer who has wonderful books on endangered animals, birds, and even dogs! He’s got an amazing eye. Move some of them around, guys! I’m sure Florida and Hawaii would have workable climates. If something catastrophic happened here, these amazing creatures would be gone from North America. The Safari Park is just a few miles from our home. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have ALL of them.” I find this amazing. The thing that surprised me most in doing my research, however, is that, according to the San Diego Tribune as of last year (2021), “There are only 24 of these storks in North America. Shoebills are native to south/central Africa, where they inhabit freshwater swamps and dense marshes. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature estimates that there are less than 5,300 adult shoebills left in the world, and the population is decreasing. Unfortunately, they are critically endangered. They’re also resolute enough to go after Nile monitor lizards, snakes, and young crocodiles. They eat big fish like lungfish, eels and catfish. As they evolved from their prehistoric cousins, they lost their toothy snouts and developed big beaks instead.Īnd while they may look pretty mean and dangerous, apparently, they’re not…to humans, anyway.īut they will attack and feast upon animals that are even only slightly smaller than themselves. These large, African birds evolved from dinosaurs that existed many millions of years ago. Except that they do look truly prehistoric. My wife, Jonna, has long been fascinated by Shoebill Storks.
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