Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Baltimore Oriole" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the limited edition collection of The Songbirds of the Fifty States. Each cover was postmarked on the anniversary of statehood in the appropriate state capital. Even in the 17th century, American colonists marveled at what is still one of the most popular birds in the United States -- the Baltimore Oriole. They called it the "fiery hang-nest." Some observers noted that the male wore the family colors of the Lords of Baltimore, the colonizers of Maryland, and named him the "Baltimore bird." The distinctive song of the Baltimore Oriole has fascinated many over the years. Ornithologist Alexander Wilson heard in its rich notes the "pleasing tranquillity of a careless ploughboy, whistling merely for his own amusement." And Henry Thoreau, always an imaginative man, heard it as "Eat it, Potter, eat it!" Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B96741)