Interview with the artist, conducted November 11, 2021.

What is the most beautiful bird in the Midwest guide? What is the most beautiful bird you’ve seen in McKinley park (Chicago neighborhood in which the artist lives)?
The Northern Cardinal and the European Starling are the most beautiful. In McKinley Park: Brown Headed Crow Bird. 

What is the most exciting bird in the guide?
Nuthatch. 

The ugliest bird?
Crow. 

The most boring bird?
Wild Turkey. 

Have you seen all of these birds in real life?
Yes (smirking). 

What bird do you most want to see, but haven’t yet seen?
Yellow Cardinal. 

What was your favorite bird to draw?
Red-Crested Nuthatch. 

What is the most interesting bird behavior you’ve observed?
Once there were some birds who were fighting at the feeder in my backyard over bird seed. I also like watching Nuthatches because they are fast and move their bodies in funny ways. I’ve also seen a House Sparrow chase a beetle.

Do you think birds are the best animals? Why or why not?
Birds are the best animals, because they can fly: south, west, east, or north. If I could be any bird I’d be either a Bald Eagle or a Double-crested Cormorant.