Kirk Stirnweis (Colorado, New Hampshire, B. 1967) "Bobwhite Quail" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card of the 22c Bobwhite Quail issued on June 13, 1987. The Bobwhite is one of North America's best known gamebirds. Identified by their characteristic "bob-White" call, these birds are well camouflaged with a mixture of brown, black, buff and white plumage. They are quite plentiful and widespread east of the Rockies and south into Guatemala and Cuba. Bobwhites thrive in open, unforested areas, at the edge of woodlands and expecially near farmland where crop residues provide an easily accessible food source during winter. In summer, insects are eaten along with a wide assortment of seeds, wild fruits and tender green plants. From fall through spring, Bobwhites live in small flocks called "coveys". At night the members roost together in snug circles for warmth, shoulder to shoulder, heads pointing outward, tails held toward the center. Thus, should they be alarmed, they can fly out in all directions. In spring, as the conveys disperse, each male selects a territory in which to nest. Females build the nest and lay twelve to fifteen eggs per clutch. Image Size: 13.5 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 22.5 in. Unframed. (B10957) See More