DIPPER ALONG THE POUDRE - At Gateway Natural Area Size:12 x 16

DIPPER ALONG THE POUDRE - At Gateway Natural Area Size:12 x 16An American dipper stands on a rock amidst the rushing waters of a Rocky Mountain stream. Among my favorite songbirds, dippers always amaze me with their ability to dive underwater and fly walk along the bottom in pursuit of aquatic prey. I never tire of watching these charcoal gray birds bob up and down on their pinkish legs. No spring is complete without a chance to hear their melodious lilting courtship songs. I painted this scene based on a

The yellow blooms of blanket flower

butbobservers usually get just a quick glimpse as the bird flies rapidly past

Watching a flock of American Goldfinches feast on the seeds of sunflowers is one of my favorite fall scenes

atop witches brooms

I painted this scene based on a sighting at Gateway State Park just north of Fort Collins

• Fritillary Butterfly and Blanket Flower

Chokecherry trees (or shrubs) are one of my favorite native woody plants

a mourning cloak and a wood nymph butterfly to enliven the flowery scene

Yellow-rumped warblers are one of the earliest migrant warblers to return in spring

I walked quite close before I even noticed the bird

This striking western jay is easily identified by itÕs striking black head and crest which top the varied blue hues of its wings

Fits in any standard 8 x 10 inch frame