Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Snowy Egret" Signed lower right. 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 First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Snowy Egret/Alabama stamp issued June 13, 1987. One of the most exquisite of all marsh birds, the Snowy Egret is a member of the heron family. Snowy Egrets are smaller than Great Egrets, and undoubtedly the most handsome of all herons. In breeding season, their spotless white plumage is adorned with waving nuptial plumes. The plumage contrasts with their jet black bill and legs, and brilliant yellow feet. Not a prolific breeder, between April and June Snowy Egrets may lay up to five pale blue-green eggs at a time, although rarely do more than two or three hatch. The young leave the nest within four weeks of hatching and quickly mature by season's end. Highly social, adult Snowy Egrets form colonies of up to a thousand pairs of mating birds. Or they may form smaller colonies with other herons and ibises. However, they usually feed in small groups, frightening their prey by stirring the bottom of shallow ponds and marshes with one foot while balancing on the other. They also have been known to hover above a school of fish like petrels, then drop to the water to catch their prey with their rapier-like bill.

Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in.
Overall Size: 14 x 17 in.
Unframed. (B10705)

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