Saturday, July 24, 2010

Illustration Friday: Double

artcard, 2.5" X 3.5"
Laysan albatrosses have got to be the coolest birds on Earth! They're really inquisitive so they'd stop by for a visit when I'd hang out at Mokuleia Beach Park on Oahu, hovering a mere 10-15 ft overhead. They have a 13-ft wingspan so it is a pretty impressive visit, if you know what I mean. Not only are they cool-looking but they mate for life, staying together for the time it takes to raise a chick and return year after year to the same nest and same mate to do it all over again! (And yes, males and females look alike!)

artcard, 2.5" X 3.5"
Juvenile albatrosses look like a cross between a chick and an adult and are really goofy looking. Laysan albatrosses are vulnerable to longline fisheries and ingestion of floating plastics, including land-bound threats like cats, dogs, pesky Big-headed ants, etc. For more information, check out Joan Goes Green, where I share some pics taken on Kauai by a friend of mine.

8 comments:

Sigrid Frensen said...

They are so great! I love that puppy. He looks like he's gonna say "I'll be just as big as you.... and bigger!"

Joan Y said...

LOL I actually think the chicks are cuter ... but then that's no surprise. I DO love fuzzy critters. :)

Al said...

Wow they are really cool! To be honest I like your second picture best! :) But they are both amazing!

ELLA ELVIANA said...

they have very sweet faces, and you capture it well.. lovely!

Joan Y said...

Hi Al! Still drawing? Thanks for your comment! LOL I have to admit I like the second one too. :)

Hi Ella! Thank you so much! I wish they were as sweet as the faces on your drawings!

Heather said...

very pretty. i like the albatrosses. nice work, too!

Joan Y said...

Thank you Heather! :)

Pauline said...

Those are wonderful! You have a real knack for birds!:)