In this section are copies of original works of art. All of them are dedicated to helping us live according to unconditional love and compassion, which is the foundation of our peaceful means of bringing true and lasting peace to all of God's creatures, whether they are human beings or other animals.
(Artwork - 080)
Hooded Grebe
(Podiceps gallardoi)
This is a vignette, done in mixed media…gouache watercolour and acrylics
on gesso-board.
It is meant for the cover of a book to be published on relatively newly
discovered species of birds. The publishers and author of the book
wanted me to show a breeding display, in a vignette painting.
The Hooded Grebe was discovered by science in 1974. It is found only
on a few lakes in the mountains in southern South America, where it is
endangered, and in serious decline. It nests in basaltic lakes in the
arid steppes, some 500, to 1,200 meters above sea level.
One estimate is that the population declined over 72 percent over 21 years,
a very rapid decline, and in 2011 it was estimated to have a wintering
population of less than 800 individuals. During the winter counts that
winter no juvenile grebes were seen.
The introduction of predatory American Mink, plus the introduction of
non-native Salmonids (salmon and trout) into some lakes have had a negative
effect on the bird and its food supply. Chicks are mostly fed water
beetles. Excessive sheep grazing and run-off, and dramatic changes in
climate have also been cited as contributing to its decline.
Local authorities are working hard to remove the mink and salmon and to take
other measures to help protect this beautiful little grebe, very unlike any
other species. Argentinians are justifiably proud of the Hooded Grebe.
Copyright © Barry Kent MacKay
Barry describes himself as a Canadian artist/writer/naturalist.
See his website:
Return to
Art by Barry Kent MacKay
Return to Art By Various Artists
Return to Art and Photo Journals and Galleries