Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Brown Pelican" Signed lower right. Original Gouache/Watercolor painting board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Brown Pelican stamp issued October 2, 1996. The Brown Pelican is a large coastal bird that weighs eight pounds and has a seven-foot wingspan. During the breeding season, this waterfowl is characterized by a large gray bill, featherless black throat patch, white head, gray-brown body, and cinnamon-brown hindneck and nape. A colony nester, this bird often lays three eggs in a nest of dead vegetation or directly on the ground. When feeding, the young pelican practically crawls into its parent's beak to eat the partially digested food its parent produces. With its large beak, short tail and waddling walk, the Brown Pelican appears awkward and clumsy on land. When airborne, however, this bird is a graceful flier. The pelican launches into flight with several rapid wingbeats. Once aloft, it glides occasionally, flapping its wings to maintain altitude. Brown Pelicans often fly quite close to the water's surface while hunting for fish, but even 20 to 50 feet above the water a pelican can easily spot its prey. Although graceful in the air, the Brown Pelican appears to make a crash landing as it swoops down to catch a fish. This impressive bird will emerge from the water with a fish held crosswise in its beak, then effortlessly flip the prey into its pouch. Over the past few decades Brown Pelican populations have drastically declined. This is due to pesticide use that has contaminated rivers and coastal waters. The Brown Pelican absorbs the chemical through food that causes thinning of its egg shells, decreasing successful reproduction rates. Image Size: 14.5 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15509)