Eastern Bluebird and Trillium

by Don Balke

Title

Eastern Bluebird and Trillium

Artist

Don Balke

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

The sweet liquid warble of this early spring migrant was music that Henry Thoreau looked forward to with eagerness. While the bright blue of the male pleased his eyes, even more pleasing to him was the bird's song in flight. When the Eastern Bluebird's (Sialia sialis) song finally reached his ears, spring seemed at last to have arrived. Often deceived by prematurely mild weather, many Bluebirds return north too soon, and are killed by sleet and ice storms. For this and other reasons, the Bluebird is now rare in vast portions of the east. Fortunately, many concerned individuals help shelter the early-returning Bluebirds by building nest boxes.

Trilliums (Trillium grandiflorum) are easily recognized because their wax-white flowers are in sets of three. The common name of Wake robin, though often used for the whole genus, is more often applied to the earliest-flowering species. The leaves, also in threes, are in whorls, each leaf deeply veined, broad and pointed, some with stems, others clasping the main stem. All members of this species grow best in moist woodland soil, but they will also grow in semi-shaded gardens and rockeries. Collecting Trilliums from all woodland regions can be a rewarding pastime, as many variants exist and all, with reasonable care, seem to thrive well beyond their original areas.

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

Artwork Copyright © 1978 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 XB05173

Uploaded

March 21st, 2022

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