Richard has been drawing birds and fascinated by natural history since he was very young. Although birds are Richard's main focus he is also interested in other aspects of the natural world and enjoys portraying landscapes as well as insects (especially moths) and mammals. His artwork has been exhibited at the Society of WildLife Artists annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London. In 2006, a piece was selected for the Birdwatch Artist of the Year calendar.

After completing a degree in Ecology at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, he participated in a series of birding trips and expeditions abroad, spending time in Turkey, South America, South-East Asia and China. He then worked in various different conservation jobs before moving to the British Trust for Ornithology, Norfolk, UK. At the BTO, he currently works on a range of different projects monitoring bird populations.

Richard has recently launched his own wildlife art website, which is now online at: www.richardthewlis.co.uk

e-mail Richard at: richard.thewlis AT googlemail.com

On Boxing Day, fine views of a flock of Lapwing at Welney WWT Reserve.

In March I finally caught up with a very elusive Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves, Norfolk. It had been roaming a wide area, and I had missed it on several previous occasions.

Great Grey Shrike, Grimes Graves, Norfolk.

My memories of the superb adult Gyr Falcon at Berry head, Devon in 1986 were too strong and tempted me to travel down to Cornwall to try and see the bird that was regularly roosting in the disused slate quarry at Stepper Point near Padstow. After a long and tiring journey I made my way to the quarry in the darkness. As first light came on 10 March, the wonderful spectacle of this immature white-phase Gyr Falcon perched on the rock face was revealed. It was there for some 25 minutes, and for 10 minutes of this the light was reasonable enough for me to really absorb the bird.

Later that day I enjoyed amazing views of the White-billed Diver on the Hayle estuary. After doing various sketches, I then attempted this painting of it in the field.