Canvasback Duck

by Don Balke

Title

Canvasback Duck

Artist

Don Balke

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

When autumn breezes bring cooler weather to the United States, the Canvasback Duck cannot be far behind. He is a welcome visitor indeed. In fact, sportsmen rate his meat as one of the most succulent of all. One reason the duck has such a delicious flavor is that he feasts on wild celery, Vallisneria, and it is from this celery that the Canvasback derives his Latin name, Aythya valisineria. But, the Canvasback is enjoyed in North America for more reasons than the delicious flavor of his meat. Few autumn sights are as breathtaking as a flock of Canvasbacks on the wing, heading South from Canada for the winter. The beautiful birds leave the prairies of Central Canada before the first freeze of winter. In great, wedge-shaped flocks, they fan out across the sky. Some are bound for the Middle Atlantic states, some for the Mississippi Valley and others for the Columbia River Gorge. Long ago, this bird's sloping profile earned him the nickname, canard cheval, or horse duck. But, the elegant creature is best known as the Canvasback, a name referring to his feathers which look very much like canvas fabric.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1993 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB14247

Uploaded

April 7th, 2022

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