The stamp depicts Common Eider at the Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett, which has been a beacon to sailors since 1810. Common Eider breed from central Labrador to southern Maine, and winter from Newfoundland south to Massachusetts. Varying numbers of wintering populations are found along the Rhode Island coast, depending on the supply of mussels and sea urchins available for feeding. Small breeding populations of Common Eider can be found on the Elizabeth Island chain off the Massachusetts coast, and DEM Fish and Wildlife staff believe it is only a matter of time before breeding birds are found in Rhode Island coastal ponds. DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife is offering a number of special edition duck stamps for sale, including stamps hand-signed by the artist or by Governor Lincoln Almond.
Prints are available from the artist.
All proceeds from duck stamps, and a small portion of proceeds from prints, are used for waterfowl research and management and habitat acquisition, such as the recent restoration of the Galilee Salt Marsh.