Tail Feather

The Story

A drake long-tailed duck sits on smooth blue-green water, its white head and dark cheek patch turned in profile and its long central tail feather sweeping up in a fine curl. The low winter light catches the black-and-white body cleanly, and the calm surface holds a soft reflection beneath. The single curved feather gives the whole frame its line and its name.

The Location

Long-tailed ducks winter on the open Chesapeake before returning to the far north to breed. The drakes carry the trailing tail feathers that make them a favorite of Bay watchers on cold, clear mornings.

Artist's Perspective

Chris Michael waits for the moment a bird's shape reads at its cleanest, and here the tail feather is the reason to make the frame. He kept the water calm and the background soft so nothing competes with that curve.

Curator's Recommendation

A refined, quiet piece for a study, bedroom, or office. The cool palette and simple composition make it easy to place and a natural companion to other waterfowl works.

Print Quality

Archival-Quality Canvas, Made in the USA.

Every Chesapeake Focus print is produced on archival-grade poly-cotton canvas using UL GREENGUARD GOLD certified inks — water resistant, fade resistant, and anti-yellowing. Each canvas is hand-stretched over FSC-certified, kiln-dried stretcher bars that are knot-free and warp-free. Finished with your choice of hardwood floater frame in matte black, white, brown, or natural. Ready to hang right out of the box.