Don Balke: Masked Duck

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1982
Image Size: 12 by 10 inches
Overall Size: 19.25 by 17.25 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

Kuri-kuroo kuri-kuroo, the cry of the Masked Duck resounds throughout the Louisiana waterfront. All the while, the female duck utters her soft hissing sound. By these cries, the astute observer knows that the ducks have been frightened. Soon, however, all noise will cease as the ducks slip noiselessly below the water surface for protection. This interesting waterbird earned his common name long ago from the male bird's mask-like black face. But, despite this black face, the Masked Duck is one of the most inconspicuous of all ducks for it lives in marshes which are overgrown with thick rushes. These ponds are the perfect home for the Masked Ducks for they bear the grasses and roots which comprise the bird's diet. The Masked Duck is for the most part a daylight feeder and it does much of its flying at night. When it is ready to fly, the Masked Duck first takes a shallow dive in the water and emerges in flight ... about a foot beyond the point of submergence. The Masked Ducks prefer to travel in the sky and on the water. The reason is clear when the duck is observed on shore. For as the duck walks about on the shore, it looks very awkward because its feet are located near the rear of its body. This amazing waterbird is well-known throughout the Caribbean countries. There, the bird finds plenty of the warm sunshine it enjoys. But, the Masked Duck is also a great wanderer and can occasionally be found far from his tropical home ... in Vermont, Massachusetts or Wisconsin.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood® Commemorative Cover for the Waterbirds of the 50 States Louisana/Masked Duck.

Artwork Copyright © 1982 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): XB07887

US$ Price: $1,250.00

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