Mark McNair Smew Or "white Nun" Decoy

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, 2020 15 1/2 in. long

This decoy is one of two of carved by McNair and is the first of the species by any carver that we have seen. While some smew find there way to the New England coastline and Great Lakes, this handsome white merganser is less common than even the Harlequin duck.

John James Audubon recorded taking one specimen near New Orleans and included the species in his epic Birds Of America folio, as plate 347.

This drake's tucked-head is inlayed into the body with pronounced breast. The head's raised crest was finished with rasp, a technique also employed by A. Elmer Crowell to portray the texture of this area of plumage. McNair, like Audubon, seems to have enjoyed relaying the paint design of this striking species.

The underside is rigged and includes two star-nails in the leather tie. The beveled weight is stamped "1" and "2020" and the wood is incised with a "McNair" signature. Original paint with minimal wear.

Literature: John James Audubon, "Birds of America," pl. 347, species and inspiration illustrated.