Sketchbook from the Gulf of Gdansk, Poland

by Mikolaj Koss (mkoss AT wp.pl)

Mikolaj Koss was born and lives in Gdansk in northern Poland, studying for a degree in biology at the University of Gdansk. This sketchbook is from the Gulf of Gdansk in November 2003.

"I began drawing birds as a teenager. In my sketches I try to catch a unique character of every bird, in which I sometimes succeed. While sketching I mostly use pencil and watercolour. At home I also do paintings using my sketches, photos and what remains in my memory."

1st November 2003, Ptasi Raj Close scrutiny of the breakwater reveals two Purple Sandpipers (below right), which are fairly rare in this region, though it seems they might be frequently overlooked. Here and there you can find single Rock Pipits (right) that are not really confiding, but still showing nicely.
7th November 2003, Vistula mouth Snow Buntings (right) are one of my favourite birds, but in larger flocks they get awfully difficult to sketch. This is mainly because of their being permanently restless just like swirling snowflakes.
11th November 2003, fields near Puck Short walk over freshly ploughed fields gives good views of a tight flock of Golden Plovers, apparently resting after busy full moon. Common Gulls' influx already started, they might be seen either resting or foraging along with Black-headed Gulls (right). Highlight of the day is a small flock of Twites (below right) one of which has an intensively pinkish rump.