John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Philippine Eagle" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c Official Mail Envelope issued February 26, 1985. The second largest eagle in the world, the Philippine Eagle is named for the beautiful Philippine Islands where it makes its home. The bird was bestowed with its proud name in 1978 by none less than the Philippine President himself, Ferdinand Marcos. But others besides the Philippine President have admired this bird of steely blue gray eyes and long, powerful legs. The great aviator Charles Lindbergh also favored the bird and made numerous trips to the Philippines in order to help secure its protection. It is easy to understand why the Philippine Eagle has long captured the attention and admiration of man, for it is a bird whose appearance is unforgettable. Its head bears a crest of long feathers which stand erect whenever the bird is annoyed. Long, powerful legs and feet plus its arched and narrow beak make it a fearsome predator. This magnificent bird of the Philippine Islands was discovered in 1896, and in less than one hundred years -- in the 1960s -- it was an endangered species. Image Size: 14 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 18 in. Unframed. (B09489) See More