Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Common Goldeneye" Signed lower right. 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 Wisconsin/Common Goldeneye. A February snowstorm may drop a blanket of thick, white snow across a Wisconsin forest, but even this does not dampen the enthusiasm of the courting Goldeneyes. Like restive flotillas, they swim about amid the drabber ducks. With their bright golden eyes -- for which they are named -- and their eye-catching black and white plumage, they are the most beautiful cratures on the waterfront. Thrusting his puffed-up head forward, then jerking it back, the drake utters a nasal spee-ick cry all the while kicking up a spray of water to the rear, and exposing his bright orange feet. So goes the impressive courtship display. The Goldeneyes appear early on their breeding ground, occasionally occupying open areas between the ice sheets on lakes and streams. For a nest, the birds choose a rotting, hardwood tree near a lake and the eggs are tenderly wrapped in soft, warm down. In areas where ponds stay ice-free, many Goldeneyes never migrate from their breeding grounds. Yellowstone National Park is an excellent example. There, hot springs and geysers keep stretches of water open year-round and the Goldeneyes linger there contentedly all year long. But, in Wisconsin, where winters can be very cold ... and lakes and streams freeze up, the Goldeneye must desert its home for warmer territories. Hikers and naturalists have come to recognize the whirring of the Goldeneye's wings which signals the bird's arrival each spring. It is a welcome sound that earned this watersbird its nickname, the whistler.
Image Size: 10 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 17.25 x 19.25 in.
Unframed.
(B07830)
Condition
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