the summer day

I was supposed to be doing yard work this morning, deadheading, trimming etc.

Then the wind brought me yet another Robin’s nest-and I just couldn’t help myself.

New additions to my ‘summer day’ series:

_

a dangerous world

Taking flight

Please

be all right

I can’t help but worry. I’ve watched them gather materials, build the cradle, nurture and fiercely protect their babies. Only to be sent out to a cruel world.

On yesterday’s walk my heart broke yet again-the fields were being plowed. The fields where my Red-wings and Bobolinks build their families.

I am hoping the fledglings were strong enough to take flight.

 July, a summer day

encaustic mixed media on panel

8 1/2x11in, copyright Jan Yates 2014

available

taking flight

taking flight

is not a given

all though not always right

all is not lost

Thirty-odd nests have made their way to me over the years. They are not ‘stolen’ as I know birds like to return year after year to the same spot and use the existing structure and build on it-the less work for them the better!

No, they are nests that have been blown down by the fierce winds or abandoned, like the cardinals’ nest in this image.

 

July

 a summer day

 8x10in, oil & cold wax on canvas 

words/image copyright Jan Yates 2014

available

The cardinals were nesting in a vine structure on the porch and one day the mother did not come back.

The heartbreak was in the Father. For weeks and weeks he would call for her, over and over through out the day, his frantic whistles painfully pleading for her return.

So I thought it fitting to make this on the porch. I’ve highlighted the nest, on the lower left, in the image below.

taking flight

I watched you

Taking Flight

hoping for

a full circle
and a
safe landing

A Summer Day

cold wax & oil on canvas, 8x16in

copyright Jan Yates 2014 

available