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This chaffinch is done mainly in Sennelier oil pastels. The chaffinch is the UK’s second commonest breeding bird, and is arguably the most colourful of the UK’s finches. 

 The Hebridean is a breed of small black sheep from Scotland similar to other members of the North European short-tailed group, such as the Shetland and North Ronaldsay breeds. Hebridean fleeces are popular with hand spinners who appreciate the subtle mixture of shades in the fleece. The fleece is actually a double coat: a soft insulating undercoat with a coarser, rain shedding top layer. A Hebridean can shed rain from its coat by a swift shake. This water repellent quality carries over into finished woollen products.

For me the Gordon setter is one of the natural beauties of the dog world. Originally bred to hunt pheasant and quail, Gordon Setters make great pets. They can often be seen at trials and can compete in obedience, conformation, and agility. They are a terrific family dogs and companions.  

 

   

 Clockwise from the left – bluetit, coaltit, bullfinch, robin.