Icons of the Chesapeake Bay

A variety of icons represent the Chesapeake Bay region. Instantly recognizable, these images have strong cultural ties with the people that live and work on the water and in nearby communities.

Seafood is closely intertwined with Chesapeake Bay culture. Blue crabs, oysters, clams, rockfish and other seafood are traditional icons of the estuary and its communities.

Closely associated with Chesapeake Bay seafood are a number of boats, including Chesapeake Bay skipjacks, deadrise workboats, oyster buyboats, and flat bottomed crabbing skiffs.

Waterfowl such as Canada geese, snow geese, brant and a several species of ducks have long been recognized as icons of the Chesapeake Bay region. Blue herons, egrets and other shorebirds are also familiar symbols of the region.

In the Chesapeake Bay, ospreys and bald eagles are popular icons. These large birds of prey are famous for their ability to catch fish and other creatures. Both species have returned to the Chesapeake in large numbers after periods of near-extinction.

Several songbirds are associated with the Chesapeake Bay. Some are state birds, mascots or have cultural significance in the region. Songbird icons of the Chesapeake Bay region include the Baltimore oriole (Maryland state bird), northern cardinal (Virginia state bird), Prothonatary warbler, and red-winged blackbird.

Artists of the Chesapeake Bay often incorporate local seafood, wildlife, boats and other icons in their work. Art forms include working duck and goose decoys, model boats, sculptures, carvings, photographs, original paintings, prints, or other artwork.

For Chesapeake Bay enthusiasts, an extensive collection of Chesapeake Bay artwork is available at North America online store.