Don Balke: White Ibis

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1986
Image Size: 12.5 by 11 inches
Overall Size: 21 by 19.125 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

The quiet waters of a southern swamp reflect the reddening sunset; suddenly the sky turns white -- White Ibises from every direction swoop down to rest for the night. A cacophony of croo-croo calls resounds. Hundreds of birds beat their wings in unison, soar for a while, flap again and then sail toward the roost or rookery. Every night the trees are filled with White Ibises returning from distant tidal flat feeding grounds. North America's most common Ibis, the bird is a striking sight: its pure white plumage glistens in the light complemented with its black-edged wings; its brilliant red beak, and glowing eyes match its long pinkish red legs. Whether in soaring flight or gracefully stalking food, the White Ibis is a breathtaking sight. When the White Ibis lands at the feeding grounds, it begins to probe the muddy shallows of tidal flats and pools. Using its slender down-curved bill the Ibis searches for crustaceans and other small marine life. While feeding, the White Ibis utters a soft grunting noise. After feeding all day, the Ibises return to the roost. When taking flight, the birds trumpet urnk-hunk to announce their departure. Returning to the loosely built stick platforms, the females incubate the green-white eggs. Young Ibises are nurtured for several months before they join the flock at the feeding grounds.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® commemorative cover for Balke's Birds and Flowers of the 50 States, cancelled December 10, 1986.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 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): XB10624

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