Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Osprey" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Osprey/Indiana stamp issued June 13, 1987.

On wings that may span a full six feet, the Osprey hovers above the water, scanning its mirror-like surface for the slightest movement beneath. Then, plunging downward, feet forward, he vanishes in a spray of foam, rising in triumph with the catch, held in the pincer-like grip of his talons. Heading for home, the Osprey creates a grand silhouette against the sky. A large bird, he sports a gleaming white underside with feathers above of dark brown. A kink in his massive wings allows him to glide in a seemingly effortless maneuver, or to smoothly flap away. The Osprey's is an intricate nest of sticks and twigs, often high in trees or among telephone poles. There, three eggs are generally tended, ranging in color from white to cinnamon, with spots of chocolate brown. Once hatched, the chicks eagerly await the return of their hunter-father. The mother determines proper portions, then each takes its turn eating. In five or six weeks, the young look like their parents and begin exercising wings that will take them to flight. By mid-summer, they cruise ever-gracefully above the river's edge and along the island shores.

Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in.
Overall Size: 14 x 17 in.
Unframed.
(B10796)

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