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About this Species
Much artistic license was taken with the Forest Floor series, and composition often won out over biological accuracy. However, here are a few of the species Kathryn chose to honour in this painting:
Deer
These large, herbivorous mammals have adapted to a wide range of habitats in north America. Females give birth to one to three spotted young in late spring. Newborn fawns have spots when they are very young to camouflage them in the vegetation while their mothers are out foraging.
Pileated Woodpecker
This striking red, black and white bird is native to the Pacific Northwest. It drills characteristic semi-rectangular holes in decaying trees to forage for bugs. Woodpecker pairs stay on their territory all year, and the holes that they make in standing trees also benefit other species such as owls, bats, and pine martens.
Skunk Cabbage
Sometimes known as swamp lanterns, this plant is native to wet areas in the Pacific Northwest. Its distinctive yellow flowers attract pollinators with a smell similar to a skunk.
Foxglove
This plant is native to Europe but naturalized in many parts of the Pacific Northwest. Its purple-pink flowers contain digoxin, a compound now used in medicines. The tube-like flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, and can be various shades of pink, purple, white or yellow.
All images remain copyright © Kathryn Beals.