THE NANNY BIRD (MATRICIBUS AVEM) by artist Caroline Bury

The Nanny Bird, half bird, half human, is a fierce protector of unguarded eggs in a nest. 

If parent birds are forced to abandon their nest, the Nanny assumes their care.  

An expert forager, she knows how to feed hungry chicks. With camouflage skills beyond our human dimension, she can shroud herself and the nest in a cloak of leaves, becoming undetectable. It is said that she may be able to shape-shift in and out of bird form but as it’s never been observed we can not be definite it in our description. 

Her feathered derrière maintains warmth for the eggs, whilst her long arms and hands quickly grasp foliage to hide her movements. If disturbed, it has been told, her mind piercing shrieks are so intense that the ears of the unwary are left ringing. If she senses your approach and you mean no harm, leaving an offering such as a flower, a nut or a seed will ensure protection of hearth and home. Small actions such as this bring happiness.

She yearns for spring and new life. In winter we can only presume that she hibernates or as I heavily suspect, pops away to an alternate realm where harsh realities of ours do not exist.

Mixed media, 14" tall. When seated she is 8.2" x 8.2" (21 x 21 cm).

Fabrics and hair are hand-dyed.  

Female pheasant feathers sprout from her hips, wrists and scalp. 

Positionable legs, arms, wrists and neck. 

Positionable leaves, each has bendable wire in their stems, place the tips of leaves between her fingers in many ways.