ALAE KEOKEO (HAWAIIAN COOT), limited edition giclee by Marian Berger.
This Royal Octavo size measures 6.5 x 10.25 inches and is printed on archival high end, deckled edged, textured 100% cotton rag paper, embossed with LEBH (Living Endemic Birds of Hawaii) and an image of the Hawaiian Island Chain on the lower right hand corner.
Only 250 gicless of each image will ever be produced. The originals were commissioned to bring awareness and support to San Diego Zoo's Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.
From Richard Shirley's website:
From www.fws.gov: "The ‘Alae‘ula is a dark gray bird with a black head and neck, and white feathers on their flanks and on their undertail coverts (or feathers). They have a very distinctive red frontal shield, and their bill tip is yellow with a red base. Their legs and feet are greenish and without lobes. Both sexes are similar and have chicken-like cackles and croaks. The ‘Alae‘ula is known as the most secretive native waterbird. In Hawaiian legend, these birds were thought to have brought fire from the gods to the Hawaiian people. Endangered."
According to legend, the 'Alae'ula brought fire to the Hawaiian people from the volcano home of the gods. As he did, his formerly white brow was burned by the volcano's fire, giving this wary water bird its distinctive red forehead. 'Alae'ula are quite secretive, staying close to vegetation and quickly hiding when they sense danger.
This product was added to our catalog on Monday 07 November, 2011.
