52 Weeks of Felt Paintings - Week 2

This week I was in the mood to felt a little bird and came across the Kirtland's Warbler.  The good news is that this little bird's population is increasing thanks to local conservation efforts and habitat awareness! (High Fives!)  Before these efforts, the jack pine forests that birds relied on to breed were not being properly protected and maintained as optimal habitats for them. The pine trees that they nest in have to be a certain age and size to provide enough cover for the birds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides more information here. Also, you can check out the warbler's IUCN page.

Kirkland's Warbler Facts:
--Referred to as the "bird of fire" for its reliance on pine forests that remain healthy with wildfires
--Eat primarily insects and larvae
--Summer is spent in Michigan (though area is increasing to include other states)
--Overwinter in the Caribbean

Have a great week!

A New Year of 52 Weeks of Felt Paintings! Week 1

So, in typical fashion, I'm a bit late starting this year's project.  I knew I wanted to do more felt paintings, but I wanted a bit of a theme.  With the help of my wonderful instagram friends, I decided to concentrate on endangered animals this year.  I'll be felting animals with varying levels of vulnerability as well as animals that have already gone extinct.  I might even throw in a few success stories--we might need to lighten up the depressing news about all these endangered animals, right?

Because of my zoo job, I'm very familiar with the IUCN Red List.  You can search animals in their database, and they'll report the last known status of that species.  I'll be using this tool throughout the year. I'll also try to provide you with some links to more information about each animal.  Excited? I am! Let's get started...

Our first week's animal is the polar bear.  This bear is classified by the IUCN as Vulnerable, and its populations are declining.  You can see what the IUCN has to say here.  National Geographic has some fantastic information here, including an audio file of a polar bear--turn up your volume for extra impact. ;)

Polar Bear Facts:
--Have black skin to help soak up sunlight and heat
--Prey mostly on seals
--Can weigh up to 1600 pounds
--Females give birth in winter, usually to twins

I hope you like this new series of paintings and blog posts!!