Small Strider

A Least Sandpiper strides across bare ground, its small size and warm brown, streaky plumage set off by pale yellow-green legs and a long, faint shadow trailing behind it. As one of the smallest shorebirds, it is rendered here in a spare, uncluttered composition that lets its compact proportions and quick, purposeful gait carry the piece. Brushed linework builds the fine streaking across the head and back against the natural paper background.