House Sparrow
The inspiration for this carving came when my wife and I were having a Croissant in an out door cafe in Frankfurt. He was perched on the chair next to me and posed quite nicely for my camera.
American Goldfinch
Some times people call them wild canaries. In their breeding season the males have a bright yellow color and distinguished gentlemanly back caps as depicted below. The females are a more modest olive color, and don't wear caps. It strikes me as kind of humorous how it's the males that strut their stuff. In winter they all turn a brownish grey. If you live near a field and close to a wooded area you may see them at your bird feeder. They love sunflower seeds and they also like to pick off the seeds of a scottish thistle.
Downy Woodpecker
If you have a suet feeder out in your yard you will likely recognize this little guy. They are common through out North America. The males sport a red spot on the back of their neck. I camped next to one along the shore of Shuswap Lake, and they can make a lot of noise for a small bird. Their pecking sounds like a drum roll ! I carved this one taking a break from hammering to see who's looking.
Meadowlark
This songbird reminds me of the rolling hills of Palo Alto California near where I lived as a child. My "aunt" Elma, a family friend, was a real nature lover, and I have a wonderful memory of her teaching me to be still and listen to all the sounds of nature. The meadowlark's song sounds like see-you, see-yeer.
Steller's Jay
They travel in small family groups and absolutely love peanuts. Put a pile of them on the deck and watch them swoop down, pick them up, and hide them. If you get too close to them, they can get quite assertive and scold you a piercing shaack shaack shaack. I have carved this one with his crest perked up as they often do.
Blue Jay
This Blue Jay was carved in 1990 and was remounted in 2003 on a new piece of drift wood. The cast lead legs were replaced by stronger steel legs.
Northern Flicker
Every spring in the Fraser Valley the male Flicker when seeking a mate will hammer as loud as he can. The metal flashing around chimneys on roof tops works fantastically to achieve their purpose. If you have ever wondered what the heck is going on, the bird below is your culprit! You can see them at bird feeders although they are notoriously shy and will bolt at any movement. They also forage on trees and lawns for bugs, and love suet if you put it out for them.
Pileated Woodpecker
This bright red crested woodpecker is the largest woodpecker commonly seen in North America. Occasionally I have been lucky enough to see one at our family home in Bellevue where I grew up. One of the cedar trees in the forest has been the subject of its frequent hammering. Large rectangular shaped holes can be seen all over it. Possibly the woodpecker was looking for a nesting site or just some yummy insects to eat. Perhaps you have heard their slow resounding hammering when walking through the forest.