Drawing to learn

Working on the Little Flyers zine for work (well, mainly at home because I am that idiot plus I don't want to do housework) has meant that I'm drawing things that I otherwise wouldn't draw. When I decided that the August issue should rightfully address the heat and how it is effecting the birds, I didn't realize I would be studying bird anatomy.

Research into how birds keep cool meant studying their respiratory system, including watching several videos and reading various articles. While my ultimate illustration ended up simplified for my audience, it started at a more sophisticated level.

Also I mainly draw from photos, but the panting  House Sparrow was based on one outside my own window. At least she was in the shade and had access to plenty of food and water.

My Northern Cardinals were early nesters (the advantage of having a secure source of food and water) and were already molting as I began the August issue. If you are unaware that cardinals lose all their head feathers at one time, you might be concerned that your birds were sick. But they aren't sick; just molting and looking pretty awkward. 

In the process of reading up on molting and feathers, I discovered information about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits the possession of feathers. Any feathers. Really. I also discovered that drawing feathers is rather easy. I look forward to having another reason to do so.

The current issue I am working on has some aspects of migration but nothing as interesting as bird respiration and molting. Just as well. This next issue needs more fun activities for kids.