William H. Southard Running Yellowlegs

William H. Southard (1874-1940) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 12 1/4 in. long

This racy Seaford classic has Southard's quintessential long-bodied form and carved wing tips and shoulders. This bird has a folky flair and dotting all over its body. Original paint with gunning wear, some fill and touch-up to head, and replaced bill.

Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 20, related example illustrated. Timothy R. Sieger, "The Decoys of Long Island," Water Mill, NY, 2010, p. 37, related decoys illustrated.