Winter inspires reflection and the natural world seems closer. Birds are out, birds hunting and pecking, nesting and flying, inspiring artists all over the world. I love to paint the birds I see in my backyard, literally, or from my walks along the Snohomish river where I spy several varieties every day. The red wing black bird is a favorite of mine, trilling his song in the boggy marsh of reeds awaiting the warmth of spring.