Long Island, from the Great South Bay to Montauk Point, was an early site of systematic commercial hunting for wildfowl and shorebirdsand was supplying the New York markets by the 1840s. The area, known as a "gunners' paradise," was famous for its abundance of migratory birds and especially for its shorebirds, which became Long Island's dominant decoy form. Among the region's most exceptional shorebird carvers were members of the large Verity family, which worked in Verity Town (now Seaford). A number of characteristics identify Seaford decoys, including carved eyes and S-shaped wing patterns joining in a V at the tail.

Stacy C. Hollander, "Lesser Yellow Legs," in American Anthem: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams in association with American Folk Art Museum, 2001), 367.