As a curious appreciator of wildlife, urban strolls are never completely lonely, I often stop to observe or steal a picture of lichens anchored on the quay before noticing ducks are passing below.

The Shore for Birds and Humans

Carole Papion

My daily walks in the surrounding area often brought unexpected encounters with birds inhabiting the architecture of the shore differently. As a curious appreciator of wildlife, urban strolls are never completely lonely, I often stop to observe or steal a picture of lichen anchored on the quay before noticing ducks are passing below. Recently, I went a step further in recomposing some moments I observed or experienced myself with differently feathered individuals. The A3 series uses collage to set the environment where inhabitants, either birds or humans both drawn with charcoal, thrive, endure or ignore each other.

Eider ducks stationing in the resourceful shore teaching how to dive and stay in reasonable distance from kayaks to their youngers.

A shy moorhen surrounded by preying cameras.

A heron searching for a nest or snack under a bridge.

Mallard ducks flying above, while aircrafts finish their descent.

A family of mute swans trying to find some peace in a cove.

Herring gulls calling from a roof, later followed by the 8pm homage to key workers.

Feral pigeons eternally scattered by curious children.

Carole Papion is an artist and aspiring researcher committed to celebrating more-than-human worlds.

Edinburgh, Scotland