Field sketching birds is a great way for birders, naturalists, and artists to observe and record details about birds they see in nature. Following some basic steps can help you create accurate, informative sketches that capture a bird’s key features, behaviors, and habitat.
When birding, carrying a sketchbook and pencils allows you to quickly draw what you see. Field sketches serve as memory aids and notes you can refer back to for details that might not be included in written observations. Sketching engages you in focused study of your avian subject and sharpens your observation skills over time. Field sketches are also useful for documenting rare or unusual birds when photographs may not be possible.
Choose Your Tools
For field sketching birds, portable, lightweight materials are best. Good options include:
- A small sketchbook or journal that fits in your pocket
- HB and 2B graphite pencils
- A plastic pencil case or holder
- A ruler or other straight edge
- A pencil sharpener
- A small eraser
Hardcover sketchbooks hold up better outdoors. Spiral-bound books allow pages to lay flat. Watercolor pencils or pens and colored pencils can be used to add color later if desired.
Observe Your Subject
Approach your avian subject slowly and calmly to avoid startling it. Watch the bird’s movements and behaviors for a while before beginning a sketch. Take note of key identification features you want to capture, such as the size and shape of the body, bill, wings, tail, and feet. Also observe behavior like feeding, preening, singing, and interactions with other birds. These details can be included in your sketch or notes.
Quick Sketches
When a bird is active, you may only have time for quick sketch. Follow these steps:
- Lightly sketch the overall body shape and main features. Aim for proper proportions.
- Add other details like the bill, eyes, plumage markings, and feet next.
- Note the position of any features like crest or wing bars.
- Check proportions and make adjustments needed.
- Darken lines to define the key features.
If the bird flies off, your quick sketch preserves the impression made for later review.
More Detailed Sketches
With a stationary or slowly moving subject, you can spend more time on your sketch. Follow these steps for a more detailed rendering:
- Lightly sketch an oval for the body and add lines for the tail, wings, neck, and legs.
- Refine the proportions and positioning of each body part.
- Add details like eyes, bill shape, plumage patterns, and feet scales.
- Carefully check proportions and adjust as needed.
- Darken lines of the completed sketch to finish.
Take time to carefully observe feathers and other fine details for inclusion. Date and location notes help document the observation.
Habitat Sketches
Sketching a bird in context of its habitat also tells more of the story. Try these tips for habitat sketching:
- Note the bird’s position relative to plants, water, the ground, etc.
- Lightly sketch habitat structures and shapes around the bird.
- Add details like foliage, flowers, bark, grasses, and other plants.
- Indicate water and landforms if present.
- Consider adding color later if desired.
Habitat sketches help with bird identification and provide an ecological record beyond just the bird alone.
Add Notes
Supplement your field sketches with detailed observational notes. Important information to include:
- Date, time, and location
- Size and shape descriptions
- Plumage colors, markings, patterns
- Behavior observations
- Habitat features
- Other details like songs or calls heard
Written notes expand on aspects that may not be obvious in sketches. They provide a comprehensive record of your observation.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, field sketching improves with practice over time. Some tips for progressing:
- Carry your sketchbook when birding and sketched regularly.
- Set goals like filling a certain number of pages.
- Focus on mastering the proportions and scale of your sketches.
- Work on drawing feather groups and other fine details accurately.
- Review past sketches to check for improvement.
Frequent field sketching enhances your artistic and observational abilities with each session.
Conclusion
Field sketching engages you in meaningful, focused observation that improves your birding skills. With practice over time, you gain ability to quickly sketch identifiable likenesses, behaviors, and habitat. Date your work, review past sketches, and aim to include fine details. Field sketching rewards you with a unique connection to the wonderful birds you encounter.