I just finished the Calandra Lark. Here are some facts about this beautiful bird...
Appearance: It's a large lark, about 17.5-20 cm long, with a robust build, a heavy bill, and noticeable pale eyebrows
. Its plumage is mainly greyish-brown streaked above and white below, with large black patches on the breast sides.
Habitat: This species is found in open plains, steppes, pastures, and dry cereal cultivations. It's mainly resident in the west of its range but Russian populations migrate further south in winter.
Diet: Their main food source is seeds, but they also consume insects when nesting.
Behaviour: Calandra Larks are known to be gregarious outside the breeding season, often forming large flocks.
Song: Their song is considered musical and slower than the Skylark's. It has been historically popular as a cagebird.
This captivating drawing by Ty Patmore (2025) beautifully illustrates the final stage of a dandelion's life cycle, transforming the common weed into a subject of elegant art. The central, spent head of the flower is rendered with intricate texture, while the detached seeds are given a light, airy quality as they float away. The subtle shading and focused color on the stem provide a grounding element to the otherwise ethereal composition, making it a perfect piece for anyone who cherishes the simple, magical moments in nature.
