The skylarks sketched on this page were seen on Portbury Wharf salt marsh between January and March but they can be seen and heard often.
No other song stirs my memory like that of the skylark. Hovering high up its continuous melody drifts down and draws me back to balmy, carefree days on a rocky headland on the Dorset coast.
“When we strolled through meadows, fished from cliff tops and
sat in the shade of the lighthouse, we heard skylarks.
When we camped on the headland, watched the sunrise and
ate ham and eggs at the Lobster Pot cafe, we heard skylarks.
Days so full of anticipation, the hopes of youth and
the promise of adventures still to come. My skylark days.
And of these days now half a lifetime gone?
When I walk the marsh at dawn, listen to curlews and
watch tugs pushing and pulling ships into port, I hear skylarks.
When I stand at the water’s edge, watch the tide flood and
gaze at clouds of dunlin flying over mudflats, I hear skylarks.
Days still full of anticipation, hopes still remaining and
the promise of adventures still to come.
Are these my skylark days of tomorrow?
Sketch notes
Pencil and wash on Bockingford NOT 300 gms paper.
Sky – bluish pale crayon and cerulean blue watercolour
Skylarks – pencil / raw umber and burnt sienna
Useful link
To listen to an audio clip of the skylark’s song visit the RSPB website at: www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/skylark/index.aspx
Beautiful work, as always.
You really make the salt marsh and it’s wildlife come alive with your beautiful and varied interpretations.
Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you! xxx