Swoop, Sing, Perch, Paddle: Birds by Carry Akroyd

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE BOOKS

Swoop Sing Perch Paddle brings together 132 screenprints by renowned wildlife artist Carry Akroyd, celebrating British birds in all their colour and charm.

Originally created for The Oldie's Bird of the Month column, Carry's vibrant prints transport us through the seasons and across the country, from coast to coast and through forests, fields, back gardens and town centres.

As a self-described 'bird-noticer', Carry's work reveals her keen observation of birds and their behaviour and her lifelong love of the landscapes they frequent. From a party of gregarious, seed-eating siskins to the poised peregrine perched high on a cathedral, each of her artworks is packed with personality.

Carry's joyful prints are accompanied by succinct, entertaining texts from John McEwen, her long-time Bird of the Month collaborator and co-author of A Sparrow's Life's as Sweet as Ours, and their beautiful new collection is a delight for birdwatchers and art lovers alike.

John McEwen was born in Berwickshire, pink-footed goose country, in 1942. John has been art critic of The Spectator and The Sunday Telegraph, author of artist monographs, edited the ornithologist Henry Douglas-Home's memoir The Birdman and
was arts editor of The Field. He is a regular contributor to Country Life and a founder of The Oldie, to which he contributes Bird of
the Month with Carry Akroyd.