Bird Feeder

This bird feeder sketch is an adaptation of Edith Holden’s illustration.

Edith drew two types of home made bird feeders in both the 1905 and 1906 Nature Notes.  On 3rd December 1905, she wrote,

 'Since I hung the cocoa-nut up to the ledge of the birds breakfast-table a few days ago, the Tom-tits have been much more numerous.'

That made me wonder when coconuts first arrived in the UK.  After a little research I found that coconuts were imported as luxury goods via Venetian traders from India into the UK since at least the 13th century.  They were initially referred to as "nuts of India" or "great nuts“ and were a rare and exotic luxury item. 

Primarily used for medicinal purposes the coconut shells were then often polished,  mounted in precious metals and made into ornate drinking vessels or goblets for wealthy people.

The background frame is based on an e-processed red brolly fabric.