Arthur Singer (New York, 1917 - 1990) "Western Meadowlark and Goldenrod" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor paintng on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Nebraska: Western Meadowlark and Goldenrod stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Western Meadowlark - After leaving the nest, the young Western Meadowlarks spend about two weeks with their parents, learning to hunt beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. In winter the birds subsist on seeds and waste grain. Not only has the Meadowlark befriended all America by cheering people with his flute-like, liquid songs, but he is also a helpful ally in beating back the encroachment of weeds and insects. Meadowlarks live mainly in monogamy, but a male may have several females. Both sexes are noted for their jubilant whistles. Meadowlarks are decidedly ground birds and the females often build roofed-over nests. Goldenrod - Each yellow spray on the Goldenrod is made up of hundreds of individual flowers. The erect, strong stalk is branched, and each branch bears on its upper side a number of small flower heads about one-third of an inch in height. Each head is, in turn, made up of very tiny florets packed tightly in a green cup. These miniature florets either have a banner petal to attract insects or are tube-shaped and produce the pollen and nectar prized by the visitors. Both types of florets produce seeds. As the floret fades, the fuzzy tuft growing near its base develops. This tuft acts as a balloon floating the ripe seed away on gentle puffs of wind. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B05106) See More