Jay Gould’s Photography Blog

It was about a year and a half ago that I had a very exciting dream to create a giant, fully-operational drinking bird. You know, those funny glass beaker birds with goofy top hats and insatiable thirsts. I can think of perhaps a few others in my life that also sorta fit that description, but that is for another time. At the time I was very excited with the idea of making these birds and using them for photographs and installations. The technical aspects of the construction was going to elude me until I had some moo-laa, but I figured I was safe for a time… wow was I wrong.

I immediately created this non-working bird for a photograph and was satisfied for the time being. Since much of my work emphasizes the childlike curiosity of my scientist persona, the drinking bird was a nice, highly recognizable item to start with.

to see a larger version visit the ‘field studies’ series on my photographs page.

Now here is where my hopes and dreams were dashed against the chalkboard… A few months ago I came across Daniel Reynolds and his Drinking Bird Project at www.drinkingbirds.com. They are beautiful. Perfect enlargements of the small toy, and there are so many!

I am not bitter now, I never really was, just awestruck that someone beat me to the crazy idea. Daniel did what seems to be a terrific job not only in the presentation of an exhibition of these birds, but also in adding the background process and science to the website.

I no longer plan on making a giant bird, but perhaps look forward to someday exhibiting my image next to one of these marvelous birds.