For your consideration is an early James A. Middleton carved mahogany sanderling. This gorgeous shorebird is artfully carved, inlaid with glass eyes and had sculptured wire legs. The bird sits 'in motion' atop a square mahogany plinth and is marked on its underside "Sanderling / Mahogany / '74 / J.A. Middleton". The bird measures 7 1/4" in length and, on plinth, is 6" in height. This lot weighs 9 ounces.

James A. Middleton (March 27, 1924 - March 18, 2019) was born in Barlow, Kentucky and was a meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Service. He was a long time member of the San Antonio Audubon Society and loved birding wherever he traveled, especially at Mitchell Lake, the hill country, the Rio Grande Valley and on many Christmas counts. With his fellow Audubon Society members he was an advocate for conservation of wildlife and loved leading or joining in local birdwatching tours.

James enjoyed wood working, making furniture and specialized in carving many types of birds including ducks, shore birds, hummingbirds, and song birds. He sold his work around the country. He had many friends in the Alamo Area Wood Carvers Club and was a founding member in 1974.

Provenance: From a private collection in Kerrville, Texas.
Keywords: decoy american wood carving carver avian bird shorebird beach duck hunting watching sculpture decorative accessory wildlife lodge cabin style

Item is in excellent condition with no damage, breaks, missing pieces, discoloration or repair. Please see all images and entire listing for more details on condition.

6 x 7.25 x 4 in

9 oz