F is for… Fairy tern, fox and flounder
This fairy tern Gygis alba, also known as the white tern, was drawn during a dramatic trip to the Aldabra atoll in the Seychelles in 1974 (see Land Marks and Sea Wings Chapter 4). It is so beautiful and delicate against the blue sky. These are not adjectives that could be applied to the flounder, an illustration for a book on the Shetland Isles, but John manages to give it some character nevertheless. The fox is a study of character in economy of line. Enjoy!
see also Avocets to Egrets (A,B,C,D,E) Kentish Plovers to Ospreys (K,L,M,N,O) Pochard to Tigers (P,Q,R,S,T) and the tailenders (U,V,W,XYZ)

G is for… Gannets, garden birds and Golden Eagles


H is for… Harlequin ducks, heron and hoopoe
Two bright ‘look-at-me’ birds today and one trying to blend with the background. The vim and vigour of the ducks is brilliantly drawn and even the hoopoe is mid-preen – John’s birds are usually doing something. The heron stands on its own as if disconcerted by the gaggle of lapwing and waders behind. Not much chance of a quiet meal here!

