This has certainly been an interesting winter, weather wise. And like most of the country, southern California has been warmer than usual. This unseasonably warm weather has confused the trees and plants, causing them to bloom much earlier than expected. And the birds are equally confused.
Martin has been totally captivated by the spring feeding behavior and activity of wax wings and American robins in the area. To our surprise, they appear to have a predilection for the berries on our neighbor's Australian pepper tree.
The cedar wax wings, as you can see in this photo, have delicate shades of blue gray on their backs and peachy brown on their chests with a lovely yellow underbelly.
Wax wing enjoying a meal of pepper tree berries. Photo Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA 90016
Add to that a black mask akin to the Lone Rangers with a bright yellow tip to their tales and it is clear they, too, are dressed for Hollywood and the Oscars.
The American Robins are much paler and much larger than their English namesakes and to those from England it seems like a case of mistaken identity.
American Robin on pepper tree. Photo by Martin Pierce Los Angeles CA 90016
As you may know from previous posts, we all know Martin has had a fascination with birds since childhood and finds their behavior as intriguing as their coloring. Some of our door handles and sculptures have been inspired by these little feathered creatures. Shown here is a custom toy chest created for a client that features several birds in the design as well as a swallow pull. The pull on the lid is cast in bronze while the others feature a white gold leaf finish.
Custom toy chest with bronze swallow pull by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
Our Stellar Jay sculpture features the exquisite detailing that Martin is so well known for, all made possible by studying photos of the bird's wings, taken in our own neighborhood.
Bronze sculpture of Jay by Martin Pierce Hardware Los Angeles CA Photo Doug Hill
To view more bird inspired door handles and artwork, as well as our entire collection of architectural hardware please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.
Designers can visit the showroom located at:
5433 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90016
Tel: 323-939-5929