Mark McNair Tucked-bill Curlew

Mark McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, 2014 11 in. long

This carving was inspired by one of the maker's earlier works, circa 1980, which is pictured in Henry Fleckenstein’s "Shore Bird Decoys." The decoy features a turned head with the bill reaching under the wing and the bill tip emerging on the other side. The raised and split wing tips are finished with carved primaries. This is a very rare carving with a hollow body and stick-hole inlay. Original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Harry and Judy Bextel Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "Shore Bird Decoys," Exton, PA, 1980, pp. 107 and 135, related early example illustrated.

Provenance

Harry and Judy Bextel Collection