"Canada"

There is nothing quite like experiencing honking Canada Geese in the field on a cold winter day. Sketching in a sketchbook, observing, and shooting photos 'til my hands go numb, I feel so alive in cold weather. Canada Geese were one of the first wildlife subjects I ever sketched in the field. I love the brightness of the white chinstrap contrasted with the solid black head and neck. The longneck will sometimes be contracted and stubby, or expanded like a periscope on a submarine, and still other times tucked under the wings creating a headless illusion.

The title does not refer to our neighbors to the north, the country of Canada, it refers to the name given to this bird. Whenever I hear geese honking, my heart smiles.