© 2005 Thomas Anderson ...Science Art-Birds
Title: Goodbye for Now
Species: Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon)
Artist:
Thomas Anderson
Image size: 24" x 36"
Media: oil on canvas
Date: 2005
Current Location of the Image: studio of the artist
The artist noted: "In this painting, a Belted Kingfisher
is depicted in flight against darkly dramatic sky at the
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Orange County, CA. The
Bolsa Chica is an ecosystem containing a coastal saltwater
wetland adjacent to seasonal ponds, flood control channels
and uplands. Although surrounded by suburbia, there is substantial
habitat in which birds, such as the kingfisher, can forage
successfully, and there will soon be more. The BCER is undergoing
a major $100 million restoration designed to return tidal
flushing to wetlands that have been cut off from the ocean
for over a century. By 2007, approximately 600 degraded
acres will be reconnected to the Pacific, with more planned
in the coming decades. The return of deep water tidal flow
will greatly enhance the habitat for the fish and birds
that depend on these wetlands. Who will manage the restored
wetlands is unclear (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife has already
turned down the offer) but a management oversight task force
has been formed. This uncertainty
explains why the darkly dramatic sky in the painting is
both atmospheric and symbolic."
The Belted Kingfisher is a robust species with a good deal of public appeal. Interestingly, although this land bird is widespread in North America, it has been the subject of few studies. It is clear, however, that it has been less affected by environmental contaminants than other fish-eating species--possibly because it prefers small fish less likely to accumulate toxic substances. In any case, it could be a good candidate for foraging studies for it regurgitates pellets that provide information about the birds' seasonal diet. Such studies would be ideal at Bolsa Chica--during restoration--to see what affect such changes have on avian diets.
