William H. Southard Earnest-o'brien Southard Heron

William H. Southard (1874-1940) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 37 in. long by 37 in. high

"Another distinguishing characteristic of the Long Island decoy was the use of natural roots and tree knots for the heads of ducks, heron and snipe...These 'knot-heads' were not only lifelike, but they were tough." — Adele Earnest, "The Art of The Decoy," 1965

"When well conceived and endowed with the awkward grace of the great bird itself, a heron decoy can take command of almost any collection.“ — William J. Mackey Jr.

True working heron decoys are difficult to obtain, with decoys by known makers nearly non-existent. Heron carvings were often used as confidence decoys for other species. Additionally, these waders were hunted for table fare and for their plumage until they received full legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

One of the rarest of Southard species, this decoy features the maker's long racy posture, signature circular incised eyes, and spade-shaped tail. With its strong provenance and grand form, this heron stands tall among both Southards and heron decoys. The decoy was likely initially used with a single stick, with the legs added while the bird was still in use. Gunning wear, paint has been taken down, filler to original crack along bottom, and small crack at base of neck.

Provenance: Adele Earnest, Stony Point, New York Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection Private Collection, New York

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 59, pl. 40, related heads illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 91, related example illustrated. Adele Earnest, "The Art of The Decoy," New York, NY, 1965, p. 121.

Provenance

Adele Earnest, Stony Point, New York Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection Private Collection, New York