Birds of a feather will flock together during an exhibition with a focus on the little aviators this weekend.

The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard are working together to present a ?Birds of a Feather? art exhibition that runs from September 3 to 16.

Patron of the Audubon Society Lady Vereker will open the exhibition on Sunday evening, between 5.30 ? 7.30 p.m.

Lady Vereker added that there were some 22 artists who have taken part in the upcoming exhibition.

?For many years artists have been inspired by Bermuda?s fauna and flora,? she said. ?It is often through art that people have their first opportunity to appreciate the wonders of nature and engage further in efforts to protect it.

?Birds and their habitat have always captured the imagination of painters, sculptors, writers, film directors and composers. We are intrigued by the mystery of their programmed behaviour to endure the challenges of the environment or mankind as well as their intrinsic beauty and song.

?The exhibition will focus on works on canvas, textile and sculpture and have a theme of Bermuda birds as a way of paying tribute to the Bermuda Audubon Society and its dedication to bird life and conservation for 52 years.

?A substantial percentage of the sale of art will benefit the Audubon Society, which makes this exhibition a special occasion. We encourage everyone to attend the opening and to enjoy the show while it is on display for two weeks until September 16.?

Nicole Butterworth, administrator/curator of the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard (BADC) said the show came about as the BACD was putting together its 2006 schedule.

?Lady Vereker approached us, on behalf of Bermuda Audubon Society about having a joint fundraising show,? said Ms Butterworth.

?We looked at the schedule and thought the topic was interesting and voila, a show theme was born. At BACD, we don?t stand on making political or environmental statements ? we just provide our members with some thought provoking ideas.

?How the theme is interpreted is totally up to the artist. Then, of course, artwork is always open to interpretation by the viewer.?

But Ms Butterworth pointed out that the show was not just about birds. ?We didn?t want to restrict the artists to a subject matter of ?paint a bird found in Bermuda?,? she said.

?Bermuda Audubon Society has deep interest in preserving open spaces for the bird species, as such the artists were free to interpret habits as well as birds.

?I have seen a few pieces artists are working on ? we have more traditional herons and cardinals to a fanciful sculpture piece depicting humankind?s desire to fly.?

They invited about 25 artists to participate, but she said: ?We really won?t know until the deadline for artwork exactly how many decided to put in work.

?It normally averages out at about 15 artists. Otto Trott, I am thrilled is submitting work. I?ve seen some of it ? very choice pieces.

?Sheilagh Head, Vaughan Evans, Chesley Trott, Chris Grimes, Molly Smith, Joyce Joell Hayden, Peggy Peniston Berk, amongst others.?

The show will run as a traditional sale, some artists are donating a piece and proceeds will be split between the two charities, she added. ?Other pieces for sale will have a portion of the proceeds go to Bermuda Audubon Society. ?It would be great to have one stellar piece to auction off on the night. Hmm, light bulbs going off! You never know! Guess people will have to come to the opening to find out.. hint, hint. I am excited about the prospects of the show.?

Andrew Dobson, president of the Bermuda Audubon Society, added that they decided on this particular show when the BAS was considering ways to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2004.

?One of the events I had suggested was an art show,? he said. ?Birds appear in literature and the arts, feature strongly in novels, poetry, music and dance. Artists like Botticelli and Rubens have assigned important roles to birds in their paintings.

?Birds have always been an important part of Bermuda?s heritage. Most people will be aware of the extraordinary rediscovery of the Cahow ? our national bird.

?Longtails feature in so much of Bermuda life, heralding the arrival of spring, being featured in jewellery and fashion, and recognised in the names of local businesses and house names. The idea of an art show was put on hold but now it?s about to open!

?Wildlife art shows, especially those featuring birds, are regularly held in many countries, and there are a growing number of prestigious organisations of wildlife artists. In the UK for example, the Society of Wildlife Artists provides a channel for the ever-growing interest in wildlife art.?

Asked was it his aim to increase awareness about the Bermuda Audubon Society and local birds, he said: ?I certainly hope more people will be made aware of the existence of the Bermuda Audubon Society and have the opportunity of learning more about our local birds.

?Bermuda has recorded an astonishing 370 species of birds, despite supporting only 20 species of resident birds, including the Yellowbird (Great Kiskadee), Eastern Bluebird, Chick-of -the-Village (White-eyed Vireo), Blackbird (Grey Catbird) and Redbird (Northern Cardinal).

?Three migrant seabird species come to Bermuda to breed, the Cahow , ?Longtail? (White-tailed Tropicbird) and the Common Tern. Therefore, the vast majority of bird species arrive in Bermuda as migrants or vagrants.?

Mr. Dobson imagined that the artists were more likely to focus on local birds, although it really did not matter.

?The aim of the art show is to celebrate birds and I hope there will be more than just paintings,? he added. ?I am expecting a number of sculptures and also textiles.

?One of the most famous bird artists of the 19th Century was John James Audubon and the Bermuda Audubon Society owes its name to this artist.

?The Society is thrilled to have been offered an original Audubon bird painting for display during the show.?

He did not have an idea as to how much would be raised during the show, but did say: ?Fund-raising is of course an important part of our work as we have nature reserves to maintain as well as financial commitments to the ?Buy Back Bermuda? appeal.

?Just as important an objective is promoting awareness of bird life in the local community. There is very little native fauna in Bermuda that people can readily see and birds are the big exception.

?Bermuda would be considerably poorer without its birds. Our native birds face daily threats from habitat loss and invasive species. Birds have considerable aesthetic value, providing people with pleasure and relaxation.

?Birds are an indicator of a healthy environment. Bermuda also has a great opportunity to benefit from eco-tourism through its unique bird life. ?The art show is one means of drawing attention to the value of birds.?

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