No. 42 — The Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)
Hand-carved songbird by Geoffrey “G.B.” Davis

Materials: White Pine, Glass, Steel, and Maple
Dimensions: 6" L × 3" W × 4" H
Finish: Traditional milk paint, waxed and buffed
Status: Available

Description
The Scarlet Tanager is a striking bird that is often mistaken for a cardinal when first seen from a distance. Most of my encounters with them have been brief glimpses high in the treetops, sometimes more than a hundred yards away. Even at that distance the brilliant red seems to glow in the forest canopy. It is one of those birds that can stop you in your tracks the moment you notice it.

About the Project
This bird is part of 50 Little Birds, a collection of hand-carved Indiana songbirds by artist Geoffrey “G.B.” Davis. Each bird represents a species found in Indiana and is inspired by the artist’s personal encounters with birds in the field. Carved from softwoods and painted with traditional milk paints, the birds are small objects meant to be held, studied, and shared. In this collection, every bird has a story.

Closer
Each bird in the series is offered as an individual piece, but together they reflect an ongoing body of work shaped by observation, memory, and a lifelong love of birds.

Availability
Each bird is carved and painted by hand. If this particular bird has already found a home, I am always happy to carve another for you. Because every bird is handmade, each will have its own unique character.