Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Spectacled Eider" Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the 1993 Russia Duck Conservation Stamp - Spectacled Eider issued July 1, 1993. Whether flying low over a secluded lake or resting among the tundra grasses of Siberia, Spectacled Eider drakes can be distinguished from other eiders by their black undersides, large pale-green heads and spectacle-like patches around their eyes. However, only a fortunate few ever see these beautiful birds, for Spectacled Eiders live in some of the world's most rugged, unpopulated areas. Spectacled Eiders choose their nest sites in sedge meadows near tundra ponds. Females build nests by moving their chests and bellies back-and-forth in vegetative cover until a small depression is formed. These depressions are then lined with grasses and down. When her nest is complete, the female lays anywhere from five to seven olive-green eggs. Incubation lasts roughly 24 days. Despite the harsh arctic conditions in which Spectacled Eiders nest, a relatively high percentage of their eggs hatch, although some fall victim to predators such as foxes. On the average, each successful nest produces four ducklings. After hatching, the young are led by their mothers to fresh-water or brackish ponds. Hens with young are tolerant of each other but rarely combine broods as do Common Eiders. Although young Spectacled Eiders are inconspicuously colored and demonstrate a remarkable agility on water, many nevertheless fall victim to birds of prey. Those that survive are able to fly in roughly 50 days. Image Size: 6.75 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 7.75 x 10.25 in. Unframed. (B14329)