Description

A special gathering of our colourful friends

A backyard feeder or birdhouse is our way of putting out the welcome mat for our winged friends! Bird watching is one of the easiest ways to observe Canada s wildlife. By attracting birds to our outdoor spaces, we can learn more about our avian neighbours from their colour variations or their different calls. This simple viewing activity can provide hours of enjoyment, and every visit is a treasured moment.
This 2 oz. fine silver coin invites you to a special backyard gathering. While our popular bird-themed coins often highlight one species at a time, this engraved piece brings together several different birds in one image. Selective colour highlights a few leaves of the catalpa tree. But all eyes are on the true stars of this design: the blue jay, the downy woodpecker, the northern cardinal and the purple martin four of Canada s famously colourful birds.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

The Artist: Neil Hamelin, Artist

This design faithfully captures the birdhouse we have in our backyard. It was painted from the vantage point that I get to enjoy when sitting in our yard and watching the birds.

The Product Manager: Christa Bruce, Product Manager, Royal Canadian Mint

Designs such as this one enable us to step away from the stress of everyday life and truly enjoy the beauty that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us.

DESIGN

Designed by artist Neil Hamelin, the selectively coloured reverse features an engraved birdhouse in a catalpa tree (Catalpa speciosa). Several colourful Canadian bird species have gathered around this nesting box (from left to right): a curious blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), a little downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), a northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) landing, and a perched purple martin (Progne subis). The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

SPECIFICATIONS