Don Balke: Canada Goose and Praire Crocus

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1978
Image Size: 14.5 by 13 inches
Overall Size: 17 by 14 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
At winter's end, the familiar V formation of Canada Geese flying north is a sight to behold. The birds are on the way to Canada after spending winter in Mexico, the interior valleys of California or, even in Alaska. Their migrating flight is not an easy one and may stretch over four thousand miles. On arrival, the two-year-old ganders battle for a mate; the victors gaining a partner for life. Soon, the Goose lays five to six eggs in a grass-lined hollow. The Goose incubates the eggs for twenty-eight to thirty days under the watchful eye of her guardian mate. Once the nesting is finished and the chicks are hatched, the adults molt and the entire family is earthbound for nearly a month.

PRAIRIE CROCUS Anemone patens
One of the first heralds of spring, the tiny Prairie Crocus is a welcome sight following the long Canadian winter. It resembles bright amethyst crystals cast across a field, spreading its gem-like beauty from Southern Canada south throughout the Midwest United States. The small flowers push through the snow on short three-to-six-inch stems. A favorite in flower gardens, the Prairie Crocus is a beautiful complement to the early-blooming yellow daffodil. The Prairie Crocus is a hardy plant that thrives in sun or light shade. As flowers fade, stems grow taller and the plant bears a feathery fruit. Giving the prairie the appearance of a smoky haze, this feathery fruit gives rise to the plant's second name, Prairie Smoke.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® commemorative cover for the Birds and Flowers of Canada - Manitoba, cancelled July 15, 1978.

Artwork Copyright © 1978 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05176

US$ Price: $1,250.00

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