Birds are inspirational subjects for any artist: the variety of shapes, colors, sizes, movements and contexts means that anyone with an interest in drawing or painting from life will find birds challenging and rewarding of their time. This book is written for a range of people - for beginners taking their first steps in a knotty subject, for more experienced artists wishing to tackle birds in flight, and for anyone who simply wants to see birds afresh. This book is published in association with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). As Europe"s biggest wildlife conservation charity, with over 170 nature reserves, the RSPB bring the spectacular beauty of wild birds to millions of people. The business of conservation is often scientific and political - matters largely for the head. But birds enrich our lives in many ways. Drawing them is perfect for clearing the clutter of our daily lives, reconnecting with nature and reaffirming the purpose of nature conservation.