The curlew is the largest European wading bird, instantly recognisable on winter estuaries or summer moors by its long, downcurved bill, brown upperparts, long legs and evocative call. Because of a large decline in their numbers they are now classified as threatened. I love the curlew - hearing them call as they fly overhead as they return to their breeding grounds is one of the joys of spring.
This one has been painted on a map of Yorkshire featuring Pickering and the moorlands to the north. The finished picture has been framed in a dark wooden frame.