It can be difficult to get close enough to birds to really see well enough to sketch them. As noted previously, John Muir Laws uses a telescope. You can use a blind to observe birds without letting them see you.
I often sketch from my car. Wild birds don’t seem to feel threatened by someone in a car, but if I get out to come closer, they are liable to slowly move away or fly off altogether. If you have feeders, backyard birds may be accustomed to being watched. Whatever it takes, practice working fast—you may need it!
You can celebrate the more common birds, too, as Jan Blencowe did here. I always delight in the first bluebird sightings of the year.
I’ve seen some amazing birds in my own backyard. One of my favorites was a huge pileated woodpecker. I was told they don’t come to feeders, but no one told this guy!
Jan Blencowe saw three of these North American woodpeckers in her woods and created a wonderful journal spread. Take advantage of these natural serendipities and create a lasting record for yourself—it’s important!