American Water Ouzel by John James Audubon Art Print

An archival premium Quality Art Print of the American Water Ouzel by Audubon for sale by Brandywine General Store. In this ornithology painting, the artist shows a male and female specimen of these birds setting on rocks at the top of which looks like a very forceful waterfall. This looks like it was probably drawn in the American Frontier of the wild west. Smoke, maybe from a fire in a homestead in the mountains can be seen in the far distance. The male and female are very similar in appearance only the male bird looks a little bit larger and his colors seem darker than his mate. The American Water Ouzel was plate or picture #370 in the 1st Havell edition of Birds of America. Cinclus Americanus - The following description of the Ouzel or water thrush is not by Audubon, but was written by John Muir in The Mountains of California in 1894. THE waterfalls of the Sierra are frequented by only one bird, —the Ouzel or Water Thrush (Cinclus Mexicanus , Sw.). He is a singularly joyous and lovable little fellow, about the size of a robin, clad in a plain waterproof suit of bluish gray, with a tinge of chocolate on the head and shoulders. In form he is about as smoothly plump and compact as a pebble that has been whirled in a pot-hole, the flowing contour of his body being interrupted only by his strong feet and bill, the crisp wing-tips, and the up-slanted wren-like tail. Among all the countless waterfalls I have met in the course of ten years’ exploration in the Sierra, whether among the icy peaks, or warm foot-hills, or in the profound yosemitic cañons of the middle region, not one was found without its Ouzel. No cañon is too cold for this little bird, none too lonely, provided it be rich in falling water. Find a fall, or cascade, or rushing rapid, anywhere upon a clear stream, and there you will surely find its complementary Ouzel, flitting about in the spray, diving in foaming eddies, whirling like a leaf among beaten foam-bells; ever vigorous and enthusiastic, yet self-contained, and neither seeking nor shunning your company. Audubon bird print #370