Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Ruddy Duck" Signed and dated ('90) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the First Day Cover for the USSR 1991 20k Oxyura leucocephala Duck conservation stamp issued July 1, 1991. The small, stocky Ruddy Duck is one of the most common of the diving ducks and is best described in human-like terms. Lovely, frolicsome and somewhat impish, a flock of Ruddy Ducks brings to mind a school ground full of young children. The Ruddy Duck is certainly not as agile as a child, however. When a Ruddy is disturbed, it takes to wing with great difficulty, splashing across the water's surface as it flaps its wings. Finally, with enough momentum gained, the Ruddy Duck takes to the air. Perhaps because of its clumsiness when taking off, it most often is seen paddling about the water and diving for food. The Ruddy Duck is found throughout much of the world and although it is a diving duck, it prefers small waters. Other diving ducks can be found on large reservoirs and lakes, but not the Ruddy. The little, chunky duck nests near small ponds and lakes. During the off-season, some of the birds can be found on larger bodies of water. In the breeding grounds on the prairies of the United States and the steppes of the Soviet Union, the hen Ruddy will lay as many as ten eggs on a tightly-woven platform of grass and twigs near the water. The eggs themselves are unusual, for they are much larger than eggs of other species. For three weeks, the eggs are carefully incubated and when hatched, the hen teaches her young to swim and dive. And when they are able, they will launch into the skies in their distinctive style. Image Size: 14 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 18.75 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B12916)