Carved wooden waterfowl and shorebirds are recognized today as one of the few truly American art forms.  Like jazz, which began within the United States, carved wooden birds represent a link to the historic past.  After market hunting was banned in 1917, the manufacturing of decoys dropped dramatically.  Having been rediscovered only within the past few decades as objects of aesthetic beauty as well as historic significance decoys now grace the art collections of discerning individuals across the country.

 

Canadian Goose

 

  • Flat bottom decorative decoy

  • Basswood carving

  • Painted with acrylics

  • 10 – 12 inches

Everyone recognizes the Canadian Goose; their recognizable calls are heard from coast to coast. The male and female are virtually identical. While widely distributed, there is some question among ornithologists as to how many races of Canadian geese there actually are. Since they intermix and inter-breed exact calculations are difficult. It seems that there may be as many as eleven distinct races varying in size from 2-3 pound to as large as 12 to13 pounds.

These birds usually return as family group to the same breeding area. Yearlings stay nearby while their parents prepare for another brood. The yearlings set out on their own after their first annual molt.

Canadian Geese do not usually breed in their first year; pair bonds are established on returning north in their first summers. The pair bonding remains steadfast for life, although if separated by death the survivor will seek a new partner.


 
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