Western Meadowlark and Goldenrod

by Don Balke

Title

Western Meadowlark and Goldenrod

Artist

Don Balke

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

After leaving the nest, the young Western Meadowlark spends about two weeks with its parents, learning to hunt beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. In winter, the bird subsists on seeds and waste grain. Not only has the Meadowlark befriended all America by cheering people with its flute-like, liquid songs, but it is also a helpful ally in beating back the encroachment of weeds and insects. Meadowlarks live mainly in monogamy, but a male may have several females. Both sexes are noted for their jubilant whistles. Meadowlarks are decidedly ground birds and the females often build roofed-over nests.

Each yellow spray on the Goldenrod is made up of hundreds of individual flowers. The erect, strong stalk is branched, and each branch bears on its upper side a number of small flower heads about one-third of an inch in height. Each head is, in turn, made up of very tiny florets packed tightly in a green cup. These miniature florets either have a banner petal to attract insects or are tube-shaped and produce the pollen and nectar prized by the visitors. Both types of florets produce seeds. As the floret fades, the fuzzy tuft growing near its base develops. This tuft acts as a balloon, floating the ripe seed away on gentle puffs of wind.

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

Artwork Copyright © 2004 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 XB09343

Uploaded

March 23rd, 2022

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