Top international illustrator and Rare Finch Conservation Group( RFCG ) honorary member Howard Robinson will be using the “new” Shelley’s crimsonwing finch skin ( as posted in the 23 Sept blog ) to help guide his painting of a pair of Shelley’s finches . This is what Howard had to say when he recently saw the new reference visuals of the skins. “….the new set of photographs from the natural history museum in Tring, Herts UK are a great help. Previously the only references available all seemed to show different colouring. ”
Given that the RFCG is currently aware of only two photographs in the world of the finch in the wild ( both are references of a cockbird ) and a couple of skins from different natural history museums it is not easy for Howard to portray an exact visual of a pair of Shelley’s crimsonwing finches . The completed painting , that Howard will very kindly be donating to the RFCG, will be used to help raise international awareness and funding to continue our search for one Africa’s rarest finches
The Rare Finch Conservation Group is registered in South Africa as a non-profit organisation . It is totally dependent on donations and sponsorships for its future survival . The RFCG is currently raising funds ( US$ 25,000 is needed ) to finance its planned Phase 3 field research work in Uganda. For more information on this pioneering conservation group please contact editor@avitalk.co.za
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