The University of St. Thomas

Frescoes of Saint Thomas

Water Birds of the Frescos

Thanks go to Louise Balma for her research into and selection of the birds used in the fresco. The birds represent those species found from the Arctic Circle to the Gulf of Mexico. Each relies on the Mississippi River for sustenance either year-round or as part of their migration.

Water Birds of the Faith Panel

Tundra Swan
by Mark Balma

Heron
by Mark Blama

Loon
by Mark Balma

Tundra Swan
by Mark Balma

Water Birds of the Justice Panel

Blue WIng Teal
by Jan Struck

Mallard Duck Family
by Jessie Fisher

Wood Ducks
by Kay Blasingame

Canadian Goose
by Doug DeSanto

Water Birds of the Prudence Panel

American Avocet
by Paul Hietpas

Marbled Godwit
by Jessie Fisher

Tri-color Heron
by Lucia Tosti
& Mark Balma

Sandhill Crane
by Kristin Amanda

Water Birds of the Hope Panel

Merganser
by Kristin Amanda

Little Blue Heron
by Jan Struck

Snowy Egret
by Suzanne Howe

Black Necked Stilt
by Rollin Alm

Water Birds of the Temperance Panel

Herring Gull
by Jessie Fisher

Sora
by Rollin Alm

Swallow
by Mark Balma

Golden Plover
by Jan Struck

Water Birds of the Fortitude Panel

Double-Crested Cormorant
by Mark Balma

Pelican
by Rollin Alm

Green Heron
by Doug DeSanto

Reddish Egret
by Kay Blassingame

Water Birds of the Charity Panel

Roseate Spoonbill
by Jan Struck

Purple Gallinule
by Kay Blassingame

Louisiana Heron
by Jessie Fisher

American Coot
by Doug DeSanto