wlhat kind of bird is this?

I can't exactly find him in my bird book. He was here, in deep snow, in Montana. And he seemed to be enjoying the snow. He rolled in it, fluffed his feathers in it, ran all around acting silly. He was so cute. But I can't figure out who he is.

If you know, drop me a comment?
Donna Ridgway

Elk watching the Deer go by.

I think it's so fun to see these elk, watching a herd of mule deer go by. Wonder what they're thinking? What ever it was that scared the mule deer, didn't worry the elk, they never did move off. I'm intensely interested in watching animals to see what they're going to do next. Click this image to see a larger version.
My photos are copyrighted and may not be copied or used without my permission.
Donna Ridgway

Cute foal, artist reference photo for sale.

Look at the wispy mane on this foal, it's so cute. He's a flashy little baby, with his blaze face and sleepy eyed look.

It's still January, but I must be thinking of spring things! Little baby things....
Donna Ridgway

Mule deer bucks, artist reference photo for sale.

The deer are more relaxed now hunting season is over. These mule deer took time to look us over while we took photos of them. They've still got their antlers. I only saw them this one time, so I'm glad I got several photos.
Donna Ridgway

Tell me this isn't cute? Reference photo of angus calf for sale.

This calf is a few days old. She was born in the middle of 30 below zero weather. Lucky for her, she was born inside a good calving barn. The day I took this photo, the temperature was 50 above. Even at that, she laid close to a pile of tires, soaking up the heat they radiated. She's so cute, maybe you want to create your next painting from her image?
Donna Ridgway

Another curlew.

This one is looking for something to eat..I hope he found it! Look at his knobby knees...I think they're cute.

Curlew walking, reference photo.

Another long legged, long beaked bird. Click the photo to see a larger version. Remember, photos posted here on the internet are not as clear as those you'll receive for your paintings.
Donna Ridgway

Dappled buckskin grazing in the sunshine. Artist reference photo for sale.

This photo has been cropped to get rid of useless detail. If you need a good reference of a horse grazing in the background, here's your photo. His coloring is interesting, he makes a good point of interest.
Donna Ridgway

Long beaked bird.

I love these prairie birds. I can sit and watch them for hours. The patterns on their feathers are so interesting, and each species of birds has such different habits.
Donna Ridgway

Bird on a post.

For those of you who love to paint birds, this little guy is colorful and cheerful. I like the way birds can grip the smallest post top. It's kind of amazing how they can hang on comfortably.
Donna Ridgway

Mule by the corral, artist reference photo for sale.

Click this photo to see a larger version. Using your own coloring and imagination, you could create a great photo, using this old mule!
Donna Ridgway

Angus calf, headed for first milk.

Here's the baby, headed for his first drink of milk. He's got such a good mom, she'll take great care of him.
Donna Ridgway

Learning to walk is not easy!

Here's the calf and this is what happened when he first stood on his own four legs, and tried to take a step. It seems like a terrible fall, but all baby animals begin life with wobbly legs. You can't believe the strength of the instinct within them, that makes them try again, almost instantly. This baby was up and drinking milk, 15 minutes after he first hit the ground. It's an amazing thing, to see the calves born, and watch them thrive.

We helped out at the ranch this weekend, moving calves and cows into different pens, cleaning barns, and doctoring.
Donna Ridgway

Brand new, angus calf photo.

This angus calf is about five minutes old. Still soaking wet, and all shiny black. He has the blue grey eyes of a new baby. He's so cute. I'll post some photos of him, as he tried to take his first steps. He had a rather spectacular fall, but recovered from it, like it was nothing. I can't imagine the resilience these little guys have. They're very tough.

This one was lucky to be born in 50 degree weather, his little buddies were born at 20 below, in a blizzard, just week ago!
Donna Ridgway

Strutting Banty Rooster, artist reference photo for sale.

This banty rooster was on the move. I think he'd make a cute painting!
Donna Ridgway

Black, feather footed chicken, photo for sale.

This little black hen is so cute. Her eyes are bright and clear, her feathered feet are showing.
Donna Ridgway

Banty Rooster for you to paint! Artist reference photo for sale.

This banty rooster has brilliant coloring and wonderful feathers. The large file, has a lot of detail and color in it.
Donna Ridgway

Grey rooster, red hen, artist reference photo for sale.

Imagine this photo, with a rusty red fence behind the chickens, then the snow, then the red chicken, then the grey chicken. I like the way the layers fall into place... This photo could become the basis of your next great painting!

Artist reference photo pricing is listed on the sidebar of this blog.
Donna Ridgway

Chickens, reference photo, for sale, for artists.

Here's a couple of nice fat hens for you to paint. In the large file of this photo, the details are crisp and clear, each feather defined. They're beautiful chickens, intent upon finding some tidbits in the grass.
Donna Ridgway

Beautiful rooster, artist reference photo for sale.

The large file of this photo is clear and the rooster is very detailed. His feathers are so slick and shiny.
Donna Ridgway

Chicken reference photos for sale to artists.

Do you like to paint chickens? This little bunch was out alongside the road today, enjoying some free range. The weather was so warm, they really enjoyed their outing.
Donna Ridgway

Long Horn calf in winter coat, for sale as artist reference photo.

This calf was so fuzzy with his long winter coat. He'd make a great painting! The large version of this reference photo is very detailed and clear. He had a cute look on his face...
Donna Ridgway

The old Indian Chief mountain, photo for sale.

I don't know if this mountain has an official name, but since we were kids, which was a long time ago- :) we called it the Old Indian Chief. You can see the outline of his face, and his head dress flows out from there. He's a beautiful mountain.
Donna Ridgway

Heart Butte, photo of the Rocky Mountain Front for sale.

This is Heart Butte. My cousins, Janet and Merlin Running Crane run the Heart Butte Trading Post, which sits at the base of this mountain in the town of Heart Butte. We visited them the other day, it was so fun to see the changes they've made in the store since we were there last. They work so hard at that store!

They offer beadwork, unique vests, Hudson Bay coats, along with groceries, a snack bar, pet foods, and many more items! If you drive through Heart Butte, stop at the Trading Post!
Donna Ridgway

Rocky Mountain Front, photo for sale.

The mountains were beautiful this week. The air was clear, 50 degrees above zero! In January, in Montana, that's rare! The snow was nearly melted, except for places where it had drifted. This mountain, is called, "The Old Man of the Mountains". It's one of my favorite mountains, I grew up, seeing this mountain in the distance.
Donna Ridgway