As always, I enjoy reading each TWIB. Looking at the example of individual bird illustrations from the past I find it sad that all those birds were likely killed to achieve such detailed drawings. Last year I was visiting family in CA when my brother-in-law recited the headline of the estimated thousands of birds killed in Chicago during the 2023 Fall migration. I'd like to see the documentary - Broken Flight but I'm sure it would be a tear jerker for me.
One thing to know is that not all bird artists killed to achieve that detail. Many were drawing long deceased specimens. Going way back, Mark Catesby drew from memory. So it’s not as bad as you may think!
Bob- I’ve heard about Broken Flight and I’m so glad you brought it up here. A great reminder that I need to get to watching it. I appreciate this reminder. 🙌🏼
As always, I enjoy reading each TWIB. Looking at the example of individual bird illustrations from the past I find it sad that all those birds were likely killed to achieve such detailed drawings. Last year I was visiting family in CA when my brother-in-law recited the headline of the estimated thousands of birds killed in Chicago during the 2023 Fall migration. I'd like to see the documentary - Broken Flight but I'm sure it would be a tear jerker for me.
One thing to know is that not all bird artists killed to achieve that detail. Many were drawing long deceased specimens. Going way back, Mark Catesby drew from memory. So it’s not as bad as you may think!
You fast-forwarded right past 1899's Birds Through an Opera-Glass by Florence A. Merrian [Bailey], the godmother of modern birding! https://archive.org/details/birdsthroughoper00bailrich/mode/2up
Wow, how have I missed this. Thank you so much for sharing, it is much appreciated.
Bob- I’ve heard about Broken Flight and I’m so glad you brought it up here. A great reminder that I need to get to watching it. I appreciate this reminder. 🙌🏼