THE WANDERER - YOUNG PEREGRINE FALCON

 

In this painting, my initial idea was to portray a young bird recently out of the nest and ready to begin life on its own. Not all first year birds will make it and this bird was based on such a bird that was found unable to fly properly. After rehab, it was then released back into the wild. Here the bird is looking out over a vast territory signifying the distance it has to go so I kept the background somewhat misty with just a hint of morning clouds higher up. I deliberately posed the bird facing slightly away so as to get a feel that it could take flight at any time. Size is 24 x 18 in (61 x 46 cm), oil on canvas.