Don Balke (B. 1933) "Bufflehead" Watercolor

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Fine Art, Old Masters & Antiques

By Helmuth Stone Gallery

Feb 27, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-02-27 13:00:00 2022-02-27 13:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Art, Old Masters & Antiques https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/helmuth-stone-gallery/fine-art-old-masters-antiques-8901
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• Lot Description
  Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Bufflehead" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.
  
  Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
  
  This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the Waterbirds of the 50 States Mississippi/Bufflehead.
  
  Bursting into the air like a feathered missile, the Bufflehead, one of the smallest diving ducks of North America, rises directly from the water. Unlike other diving ducks, these birds are usually in motion. They are one of the few ducks that can take off steeply from water without running along the surface. As one of the best divers, the bird disappears underwater with suddenness, swimming only with its feet. Then, it will bob to the surface like a cork. When swimming on the surface, the ducks give the impression of being buoyant. Apart from its unusual activities on the waterfront, the Bufflehead is known for his appearance. This interesting, tiny waterbird earned his common name long ago from the male bird's black iridescent puffy head. The male in nuptial plumage is mostly white, with a dark back. He is indeed a handsome and distinctive fellow especially with his large white crown. It is not surprising that the grayish female is impressed by his appearance and chooses him as her mate. The female normally does not build her nest, but chooses a hole deserted by a Flicker as her nesting site. Here, she lays ten to twelve ivory eggs. When the youngsters hatch, they remain in the nest only for one and a half days. Coaxed out by their mother, the downy brood is led to the nearest lake or pond for a swim. At winter's approach, the Bufflehead flies south in search of warmer weather. It is then that this plump bird nicknamed "butterball" can be found in Mississippi.
  
  Image Size: 10 x 12 in.
  Overall Size: 17.25 x 19.25 in.
  Unframed.
  (B08273)

  Condition

  
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