Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Eastern Chipmunk" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked December 3, 1984.
Chipmunks are born in a warm, cozy room all their own. Digging a special chamber off the main underground tunnel, the mother Chipmunk lovingly carpets the nursery with leaves on which her little ones will sleep. Well below the frost line, this efficient -- often elaborate -- burrow offers her young protection, not only against enemies but also against inclement weather. Near the nursery, there are other rooms, some for storing large amounts of food, others for use as bedrooms by the adults. A long, complex system of passageways leads to a front door and a back door, making quick escapes a simple task. In May, when the house has been properly prepared, the mother Chipmunk gives birth to her babies -- four or five to a litter. They are born naked and pink, and are about the size of peanuts. But, within a month, they have grown the familiar silky, striped coats which their parents wear and they are ready for their first cautious venture into the world. Timidly, they follow their mother up from the darkness, through the tunnels and into the bright green of the Illinois summer. Forty or fifty feet from the safety of the burrow is about all these tiny imps dare travel. Quivering with excitement, they run, stop, sit up and look around, clasping little paws to their breasts in fright. Then, having had enough, they dash back to their cozy nest. But, by August, most are fully grown and ready to live on their own beneath the lovely country lanes and gardens of Illinois.
Image Size: 11 x 12.5 in.
Overall Size: 18.25 x 20 in.
Unframed.
(B99067)
Condition
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