Highcountry Denizen

Highcountry Denizen 36" x 48" 2005 Double Frame SOLD A Clark's Nutcracker surveys its domain from wind-blasted trees in the high alpine close to the tree line. These wonderful, bold, sometimes raucous birds are found in the high alpine for a reason. The seed pods in these tough alpine trees are themselves very difficult to open. They lie, sometimes for years, until fire, or a Clark's Nutcracker cracks them open with its powerful beak. The intent of the bird, of course, is to eat the seed, but sometimes one falls to the ground and a new tree is born. So, the Clark's is a high alpine forester and tree planter. Sometimes the Clark's is confused with the Gray Jay or Whiskey Jack, but the Jay has a much shorter beak. This particular bird is sitting with its back to the east face of Mount Edith Cavell near the Angel Galcier in Jasper National Park. Between that mountain and the one with the snowfield is the Tonquin Valley, a favourite hike for backpackers. This is a large and impactful painting.