The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Duck stamps on display
CANASTOTA >> Through July 31, people have the opportunity to view award winning artwork as the Great Swamp Conservancy of 8375 N. Main St., Canastota will display an exhibit of the Federal Duck Stamp original artwork.
Joseph Hautman is the winner of this year’s Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with his acrylic painting of a pair of trumpeter swans.
Having observed them closely in the field, Hautman describes the trumpeter swan as a study in contrast.
“Not only the black-on-white appearance, but also the contrast of their mostly silent flight, with the raucous trumpeting call, and the contrast of the lightness with which they seem to float as they are landing, with the power of the wing beats that lift them back into the air,” the artist said.
The species pictured represents an American conservation success story. The species historically suffered huge population de--
clines. By 1933, fewer than 70 wild trumpeter swans were known to exist, and extinction seemed possible.
Aerial surveys, however, discovered a Pacific population of several thousand trumpeters in Alaska. Increased conservation efforts have resulted in native western populations recovering. Also, reintroductions to the central part of the continent – mostly around the Great Lakes – have proven to be highly successful.
This year’s Federal Duck Stamps are on sale at the GSC for $25 each. Exhibit is open daily from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Formore info, visit: www.greatswampconservancy.org