Green woodpecker in pastel.
There are green woodpeckers at Haweswater on the edge of woodland in pasture on a fallen branch. For this colourful lady with the “yaffle” call I have included in the background a detail of the iconic William Morris woodpecker tapestry designed in 1885. The tapestry refers to the classical legend of Picus, one of the ancient kings of Italy, who refused to be seduced by Circe and she in revenge turned him into a woodpecker.
I once a King and chief
Now am the tree-bark’s thief..
Marianne Birkby Gallery 