Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Great Blue Heron" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting 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 Shorebirds of the 50 States, cancelled June 20, 1986.
In the morning mist, standing motionless and alone along a stream or lake, the Great Blue Heron is often the only living creature seen in the broad expanse of its water and forest home. Most active during the twilight hours the Great Blue Heron is a patient hunter. Usually standing motionless in shallow water, the Heron waits for its prey to come within striking distance of its sharp pointed bill. Then, flipping its catch in the air, the Heron swallows it. After feeding, the Great Blue Heron may take off in flight. Beating its dusky colored wings slowly and majestically, the Great Blue folds its neck in an S-shape with its head between its shoulders, and trails its long legs behind its body. Usually silent, the Great Blue may occasionally honk or croak during flight, especially when startled or disturbed. The Great Blue lands at its nest built on rocky ledges or damp ground at the water's edge. The flat, flimsy platform is used to hold the usually four pale blue-green eggs. Both sexes participate in incubation, turning the eggs every two hours. The hatchlings are helpless and depend on the parents for several months, but eventually are forced from the nest. Once sustained flight is achieved, the immature young are active throughout the heronry and often fish for themselves. Scientists believe the Great White Heron found in Florida is a sub-species of the Great Blue.
Image Size: 10.75 x 12.75 in.
Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in.
Unframed.
(B10367)
Condition
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