A Bunch of Wags

Acrylic on canvas (Sold)

122 cm W x 122 cm H
Willy Wagtails (Rhipidura leucophrys) belong to the group of birds affectionately known in birding circles as the ‘Black and Whites’, our common backyard birds. They are small and engaging with their constant sideways wagging of their fantail which earned them the name wagtail. Willie Wagtails feature prominently in indigenous mythology and were disliked by Indigenous people in some areas, as they were thought to loiter at the edge of camps, listening to conversations then telling the secrets elsewhere. The Willie Wagtail was also seen as an ill omen, and they would abandon an expedition if a Willie Wagtail was seen on the morning of departure. This artwork depicts their chattering nature almost as though they are telling each other off, or perhaps sharing THAT secret!