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A rare bird is an expression we've all heard before and the definition is that of something unusual. Well the subject of my latest painting is literally a rare bird. Here's how it began. 

I was out and about on a beautiful sunny day and I decided to stop at a local park that is known to have many ducks and geese. It had been a long while since I was there and I thought I could use some fresh photo references for my paintings. As I was photographing some geese this grey bird landed on the rocks beside me. I took a few shots and wondered what it was, I had assumed a gull of sorts because of the colouring, but when I looked at its feet they were not that of a gull.

When I got home I got out the bird book and began the search.....nothing. I wondered if crows could be a different colour, lacking the dark pigment and as it turns out, yes they can. This bird is a leucistic crow that apparently is a resident of the area. Leucism (LUKE-ism) is an abnormal genetic condition that results in pale colouring either in patches or as in the case of this crow the overall feathers. This is different from albinism. It is rare condition but less rare than albinism. In any case it was a treat to be able to see this bird up close and personal. It is also became the subject of my latest painting.

The greys of this crow were very soft and had a light iridescence to the feathers. Even the personality of this crow even seemed gentler than your average black crow but that was just my first impression, I could be wrong. The next time I'm at the park I will be on the lookout for this crow. I hope you enjoy the painting and the background of it.