Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Northern Shoveler" Signed and dated ('95) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. 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 Russian 750R Baer's Pochard stamp issued September 1, 1995. Rare but not threatened, Baer's Pochard is a diving duck that can plunge to relatively deep depths in search of food. During the breeding season, this creature makes its home in southeastern Siberia where it builds its nest in thickets near freshwater pools and lakes. Throughout the breeding season, the male's coloring is extremely vibrant. Its head is iridescent green, while its lower neck and breast are dark reddish-brown. The remainder of the duck's body is a dull brown with underparts that are mostly white. During the non-breeding season, the drake takes on a more subdued coloration closely resembling that of the hen. The plumage of the female Baer's Pochard is dull brown with white feathers covering its underside. In early June, after breeding, the hen lays six to 10 yellowish eggs. During the ensuing incubation period, drakes abandon their mates to gather together for a post-breeding molt near the lake where nesting has taken place. In the winter, these ducks are known to migrate to the far eastern regions of the former Soviet Union as well as to the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 15.75 in. Unframed. (B15191)