A precise watercolour study by Charles Tunnicliffe featuring two magpies perched amongst the red berries of a hawthorn tree.

Charles Tunnicliffe, a master of British wildlife art, captures the magpie with characteristic precision in this study. The composition focuses on two birds perched within the gnarled branches of a hawthorn tree, laden with autumn berries. Tunnicliffe employs a disciplined technique, combining fine ink lines for the skeletal structure of the branches with controlled watercolour washes to define the plumage of the birds.

The artist demonstrates a deep understanding of avian anatomy. The magpies are rendered with attention to the iridescent quality of their feathers, shifting from black to subtle blue-grey tones. The contrast between the monochromatic birds and the repetitive, bright red clusters of berries creates a balanced visual rhythm. The background remains muted, ensuring the viewer remains focused on the interaction between the subjects and their immediate environment.

Tunnicliffe spent much of his career in Anglesey, where he observed the local fauna with scientific rigour. His work often avoids sentimentality, preferring an objective approach to the natural world. This piece reflects his ability to translate field observations into a formal composition. The hawthorn branches are depicted with a sense of weight and age, their twisted forms providing a stable base for the magpies. The work functions as both a biological record and a decorative study of seasonal change. By isolating the birds against a simplified backdrop, Tunnicliffe draws attention to the specific markings and postures of the species. The result is a clear, informative image that maintains a high level of technical finish, typical of his contributions to natural history publications and private commissions throughout the mid-twentieth century.