Wildlife and Nature Protection Society Monthly Lecture: Importance of bird illustration in ornitholo

From early ages painting of animals and birds in caves to the present, bird art has had an impact on the growth and progress in different directions especially on ornithology, interest group and collectors of art.

Since the monumental work of Capt. Vincent Legg, in 1880 and G.M. Henry in 1955, numerous authors have used illustrations of birds to elaborate certain aspects of identification of birds using aesthetics interwoven with draftsmanship too. Scrutiny of these works discussion as well as constructive criticism has constantly been a compounding factor to the progress. The importance of ornithological illustrations has made significant progress even though at present digital photography is changing the tide to a certain level.

There are significant and sometimes compellingly interesting stories surrounding these artists and those artists who contributed to these publications.

From Legg onwards to the present day birders still are compelled to resort to field guides with compellingly better illustrations of birds and even other wildlife.

To be held on 17 November, 6 p.m. at the Cinema Lounge, BMICH, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7; the public lecture is open to all members and non-members, admission free.  Lester Perera is a fanatical birder and overall naturalist from childhood. He is a reputed bird artist, has held many exhibitions locally and internationally, with many of his works in numerous private art collections worldwide. He has worked extensively on marine mammals and Sea Turtles for many years. Lester has been leading tours to India since 2002 with over 40 plus tours up to date, throughout India and the Andaman Islands as well.

His incessant search for new bird species in the region takes him regularly to various destinations in India’s lesser known wild places. He is a member of the Rarities and Records Committee of the Ceylon Bird Club apart from being in many other societies and clubs as well. He is a co-founder of Bird and Wildlife Team.