Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Red Cardinal" Signed lower middle. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Red Cardinal stamp issued June 10, 1978. Only the summer tanager matches the male Cardinal in full red color, but the tanager lacks the pronounced crest which the Cardinal proudly displays. A black mask, a stout coral red bill, and dark red feet also distinguish the Cardinal from other species. So brilliant is his color that he was named Cardinal for the scarlet robes of a church dignitary. The female's dress is much more subdued. She has an olive-gray back, dull reddish wings and crest, and soft pink-brown underparts. They remain together throughout the year, though in the early winter months the bond may be relaxed. Unlike the female of most species, the female Cardinal is as skilled a vocalist as the male. They may sing in any month, but on spring mornings when paired birds perch and play in the tops of trees, the countryside awakens to their rich, penetrating music. "During the love season," Audubon claims, "the song is emitted with increased emphasis by this proud musician, who, as if aware of his powers, swells his throat, spreads his rosy tail, droops his wings, and leans alternately to the right and left, as if on the eve of expiring with delight at the delicious sounds of his own voice." Yet some listeners prefer the female's softer music to the male's sometimes piercing notes. Found virtually everywhere in North America, the Cardinal flits about canals, and nests in bushes along banks. Just as often, the Cardinal's nest may be hidden in a thicket, or in a sapling. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B05053)