A starling in crane stance, kung fu master clutching invisible enemies, wind shredded through whistling talons – Starling – Sturnus vulgaris

Rick Lieder
Painter and photographer Rick Lieder has been creating fine art and conceptual illustration for many years. His art has appeared on award-winning novels ranging from mysteries and science fiction, to books based on the X-Files TV series, to Newbery Award-winning books for children, A Single Shard and Princess Academy.STEP GENTLY OUT is his new nature picture book for all ages, a collaboration between painter and photographer Rick Lieder and novelist and poet Helen Frost. A website with all the news, reviews and up-to-date information for the book, plus a book trailer: http://bugdreams.com/sgo/.
My favorite bird, despite the nickname “skyrat”. So adaptable, so many vocalizations, such amazing flock co-ordination and co-operation in feeding and breeding. And not so ugly either – Nice shot