Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Wild Turkey" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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 Cover for the U.S. 37c Wild Turkey stamp from the Northeast Deciduous Forest set issued March 3, 2005. The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is native to North America and found in every state except Alaska. Abundant in the deciduous forests of the northeast even before the arrival of the early settlers, its range began to shrink in the 1800s as more and more timbered land was cultivated for farming. With no regulated hunting season to prevent it from being killed year-round, the Wild Turkey disappeared in the northeast for 100 years. However, today large populations of the Wild Turkey are again found in its ancient habitats. The Wild Turkey is distinguished from its domestic cousin by a longer neck and legs, a more slender body, smaller head and darker plumage. Jakes, or yearling gobblers, weigh around 12 pounds, reaching an average of 18 to 21 pounds as adults. In spite of their size, they can run at least 12 miles per hour and fly at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. Known as opportunistic omnivores, wild turkeys eat various plant and animal matter wherever and whenever they can, but about 90 percent of their diet comes from plants and cultivated crops, including the green foliage of grasses, vines, acorns, buds, seeds, ryegrass, chufa and clovers. Capable of scratching through four to six inches of snow during the winter, they can fast for over two weeks in areas of deep snow and survive in spite of losing up to 50 percent of their body weight. This painting shows a Wild Turkey strolling in the forest. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 14 x 13 in. Unframed. (B17377)