Mark McNair Parker's Island Plover Rig

Mark McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, c. 2000 largest is 12 in. long

“I spotted this group of plover resting on a spit of marsh, all facing into the wind as though weathervanes. The water behind them, reflecting the late afternoon autumnal sun, backlit them, so there was little colour, no black and white, only the distinct silhouette of plover as if made of weathered wood.” - Mark S. McNair discussing this rig

An inspired group of a half-dozen plover decoys made after observing a migrating flock on Parker’s Island in the Chesapeake Bay. Mark McNair has been making shorebird rigs for over a half century, with most sold as individual birds or sometimes pairs. The filmmaker Matt Aeberhard now uses McNair’s plover rigs in his "BirdStory" and "Birds of America" film projects. This intact flock presents a rare opportunity to own a complete rig. Displaying emerging plumage, all bear the maker’s incised signature on the underside. Original paint and wear.

Literature: Zac Zetterberg, ed., “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria, IL, 2020, pp. 107-108, related rigs illustrated. Exhibited: Peoria, Illinois, Center for American Decoys, Peoria Riverfront Museum.