October sees the return of the huge flocks of starlings to Somerset and I am very lucky to be able to watch these extraordinary little birds locally. They are an endless source of entertainment and inspiration and they definitely brighten up those grey winter days with their rowdy antics. I've posted before about my bird haiku book, available here, and during the year I keep writing about the birds I spot, an ongoing project for me. For the last few weeks the starlings have been gathering on the lines in our road, reminding me of that Hitchcock movie classic 'The Birds', very appropriate for this week!

This weekend we had stormy weather which left some late blooming gladioli blown over in the garden and so I decided to pick a few for the house and use them for drawing practice this week. These late bloomers have all been this lovely white and red bicolour, making beautiful structural shapes and welcome flowers after a dry summer and early autumn. I started with a quick pencil sketch to loosen up and then a couple of studies in chalk pastels. I will probably use the pastel sketches as a base or inspiration for either cards or artwork.

Looking for small, unique and individual gifts in the run up to the festive season? For the first two weeks of this October I’m running a sale with 30% off selected items in my Etsy shop so hurry now and find a range of handmade gifts like these bobble hat egg cosies for the foodies in your life: or this handmade soap (sourced in UK) and 100% organic cotton soap-saver I’ve crocheted for your eco-friendly friends: and this pretty hand-beaded flower mandala room decoration for a moment of calm in the busy life of someone special:

This month, as Summer turns to Autumn, these are my four picks highlighted in my Etsy shop this month (click on the titles to go direct to shop): Top of the Tor: The Portal, a set of three blank greetings cards. Perfect for the card drawer, you can frame them as a mini gift as well! Linocut Pumpkin Garland Decoration. I've drawn and hand printed this original linocut pumpkin design which I'm sure will add a festive touch to your Autumn décor and festivities. Two Wool and Cotton crochet storage bowls.

This gorgeous staircase, found in the Queen's House, Greenwich in London reminded me of an eye on a visit earlier in the year.

I’m happy to announce that an updated version of ‘A Bright Balance of Feathers’ is now available as either an eBook or paperback on Amazon here; or as a personalised paperback in my Etsy shop here. Featuring over 250 of my birdwatching haiku I’ve added in some more illustrations as well as new haiku. This is one of my favourite ongoing creative projects and perfect for birdwatchers and poetry readers. Robin: Long ago; I heldA trembling crumb out for youYou kindly ate it Jackdaws and Grebe line illustrations and cover photograph of Robin by P L Herlihy. All Rights Reserved

A Bright Balance of Feathers: Bird Haiku eBook : Herlihy, P L : Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Whyllmoon: The First Adventure of Wilva Cut-Hand (The Adventures Of Wilva Cut-Hand Book 1) eBook : Herlihy, P L: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Whyllmoon: The First Adventure of Wilva Cut-Hand (The Adventures Of Wilva Cut-Hand) : Herlihy, P L: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Parallel Landing / The Sea Serpent: Two Science Fiction Stories eBook : Herlihy, P L : Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store