birdsoup

I just an invitation to a birthday party on April 26^th.  That day will be the 227^th anniversary of the birth of John James Audubon.   Audubon is notable for his studies to document all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats.  

His major work, a color-plate book entitled The Birds of North America, is considered one the finest ornithological works every completed. I seen parts of his work at the Museum of the City of New York and, I must admit, I don’t like his paintings.  The birds do not seem very real to me.  I much prefer the drawings in a Peterson field guide or any of the new guides.

I haven’t given much thought to what kind of birthday gift to bring.  A new field guide is an idea but it might be politically incorrect since it might be reflect on the quality of his work.  Maybe a app for his smart phone if he has one.

I still have one week to decide on an appropriate gift.