"Protecting the Nest" Original Bird Painting

Size: 8 x 6 inches x 1.75"deep

Medium:  Aerosol, Acrylic & Oil on Wood Panel

Artist Signature: On the bottom left

Artist: Hand painted by San Francisco Bay Area artist John Osgood

Year: 2025 as part of the Birduary Series

John's Inspiration

"Protecting the Nest" is inspired by the little oak titmouse couple that claims our mulberry tree each year to raise their young. Like clockwork, they build their nest and fiercely defend their space. Anytime we, the squirrels, or even another bird get too close, one of the parents pops out onto a nearby branch, chirping madly as if to say, "Hey, back off! This is my family’s zone!"

It’s a simple, instinctive act, but one that resonates deeply. As humans, we’re not so different when it comes to protecting our children—keeping them safe from harm and doing everything in our power to give them the best chance to thrive.

This painting captures that fierce devotion and instinctual love that binds parents and their young, no matter the species. It’s a tribute to the little warriors of the mulberry tree and to all the ways we protect what matters most.