Fred M. Nichols Feeding Yellowlegs

Fred Nichols (1854-1924) Lynn, MA, c. 1890 An exceptional yellowlegs decoy in a feeding posture with black glass eyes, raised wings, and an inserted tail. The bird retains a metal sleeve in the stick hole and a small "R" on underside of tail.

Fred Nichols has long been considered among the greatest shorebird makers. Robert Shaw, in his book "Bird Decoys of North America," writes, "Nichol's obituary states that he was 'especially interested in music and birds, giving great attention to the shore-birds.' Both in form and paint, his handful of surviving whimbrels, yellowlegs, and plovers rank with the finest ever produced. He was a member of the Essex County Ornithological Club, whose first president was the renowned painter and etcher Frank Benson." Original paint with craquelure, even gunning wear, and restoration to end half of bill and both outside edges of original tail.

Provenance: Private Collection, Florida Private Collection, acquired from the above c. 1997

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 169, similar decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 8-9.

Provenance

Private Collection, Florida Private Collection, acquired from the above c. 1997