Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Emperor Goose" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the Waterbirds of the 50 States Oregon. Emperor Goose Kla -- ha kla -- ha the cry rings out as the Emperor Geese settle in on the Oregon coast to feed. Some dine on shellfish they pry loose from the mud. Others feast on kelp that has been snagged by the rocks just off shore. The Emperor Geese are most at home when the crash of the surf and the spray of salt water are only a few yards away. It is for this reason that the name of their genus, Philacte, is indeed fitting, for it means in English "lover of the seashore." Indeed, there could be no better winter home for these birds than Oregon where a long, beautiful coastline ensures and abundant supply of kelp and shellfish. In summer, the Emperor Geese are more likely to be found north in Alaska. In fact, many of these hearty waterbirds will spend the entire year in Alaska, moving south to the Alaska Peninsula in the colder months. When migrating, these majestic birds of blue-gray plumage fly high in a line abreast. When they arrive in their summer home in northern Alaska, ice still chokes the deltas and salt lagoons. But this does not slow up the courtship process and the gander soon wins a mate with his winning call and impressive strutting. Then, using down from her own breast and soft grass and moss, the goose constructs her nursery near the water. When the young hatch, one of their first sights will be the thundering tide ... and one of their first smells will be the invigorating scent of salt water. From that moment on, the Emperor Goose remains forever enchanted by the sea. Image Size: 10 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 19.25 in. Unframed. (B07708)