This piece is a continuation of my passion to bring awareness about climate change and the effects that is having on migratory bird eco systems.
San Diego California, is home to many migratory bird species including the Least Tern, which sits with wings outstretched centre bottom in the artwork. Warming sea water is driving their food sources (anchovies) farther down into the ocean and making it harder for least terns to get hold of them; in addition, the anchovies are overfished and human development has eroded and destroyed much of the dunes they depended on, so it’s a tough fight.
Migratory bird species require suitable conditions throughout their annual cycle: on their breeding grounds, in their non-breeding range, and along migratory routes between the two. Climate change human population growth and rising temperatures have the potential to disrupt conditions in all three stages. In ecology, there’s no such thing as an action without consequences because all parts of the ecosystem are connected.
Graced in symmetry fly two Rufous Hummingbirds feeding on Purple Sage against the backdrop of a large white silhouette of the New Zealand Tītī (Muttonbird). This long distance traveller of the Pacific Flyway route (which encompasses both the West Coast of California extending geographically right down to my own heart land of Aotearoa, New Zealand) makes reference globally to the need for thinking about the future of our birds.Just wanted to also say a huge thank you to the Ladies Who Paint team, what an honour it is to come up here to sunny San Diego and leave my mark in your beautiful city.
I’m truly humbled by your hospitality and in awe of how brilliant this festival has been and how lucky I am to have met a wonderful group of #bossbabes. Keep doing amazing things ladies xxx.