Don Balke (B. 1933) "Mississippi / White Ibis" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Birds and Flowers of the 50 States, cancelled December 10, 1986. The quiet waters of a southern swamp reflect the reddening sunset; suddenly the sky turns white -- White Ibises from every direction swoop down to rest for the night. A cacophony of croo-croo calls resounds. Hundreds of birds beat their wings in unison, soar for a while, flap again and then sail toward the roost or rookery. Every night the trees are filled with White Ibises returning from distant tidal flat feeding grounds. North America's most common Ibis, the bird is a striking sight: its pure white plumage glistens in the light complemented with its black-edged wings; its brilliant red beak, and glowing eyes match its long pinkish red legs. Whether in soaring flight or gracefully stalking food, the White Ibis is a breathtaking sight. When the White Ibis lands at the feeding grounds, it begins to probe the muddy shallows of tidal flats and pools. Using its slender down-curved bill the Ibis searches for crustaceans and other small marine life. While feeding, the White Ibis utters a soft grunting noise. After feeding all day, the Ibises return to the roost. When taking flight, the birds trumpet urnk-hunk to announce their departure. Returning to the loosely built stick platforms, the females incubate the green-white eggs. Young Ibises are nurtured for several months before they join the flock at the feeding grounds. Image Size: 11 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in. Unframed. (B10624)