Ira Hudson Bufflehead Hen

Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1930 13 in. long

This is an exceptional female example of a hard-to-find species. It has a full football body and a thin paddle tail. This species, often referred to as the "butter-ball," is likely not named for its flavor, as it is generally regarded as poor table fare, lending to the rarity of the species' decoys. Hudson's drakes greatly outnumber hens, adding to the rarity of this decoy. A related drake can been seen in Milton Weiler's "Classic Decoys" series of paintings. Original paint with even gunning wear, patch of roughness at back right flank, restoration to lower third of bill.

Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland

Literature: Henry H. Stansbury, "Ira D. Hudson and Family," Lewes, DE, 2002, pp. 81-83, related decoys illustrated. Milton C. Weiler, "The Classic Decoy Series: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1969, pl. 13, related drake illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Maryland