first duck mount-need opinions

[saxon]

This is my first try at mounting a duck so any advice would be great but my main concern is how do you keep the side pocket feathers in place when you get them lined up. Mounting this duck was alot more difficult then in looked in the video!!

[Scott Olson]

Not bad for your first. They are hard to do. I just use masking tape on the side pockets.
The paint on the bill though? I'd go with  dark red instead of the lavender. Not bad for
the first though. Also, maybe turn the head a bit, to give it a little attitude. The white
line on the side of the breast needs a bit of grooming also, so it's more of a straight line.

[Brian]

looks awesome for your first bird. i wish my first looked that good. send me pictures of the sea ducks finished that im going to be sending you.

[igor]

Nice job on your first one. Make sure that body is not TOO BIG. If so, you have a problem with side pockets. Also check wing position.

[remingtonZ71]

looks pretty good, i am doing a greater canada as we speak, i will post pics when completed

[BeckyBird]

That's great for your first duck! The feathers look nice and clean, and next time just spend more time grooming the feathers. Masking tape can be used to hold those side pockets up.
Also, I noticed the feet are just a little off. It looks like he is standing up on his tiptoes. The ball of the foot should be resting on the base, so it looks like he is putting weight on his feet.
Can't wait to see your second duck!

[wareagle]

Great job! I don't think you could ask for much more on the first one.

[saxon]

How long do you leave the tape on? i take it that the tape wont damage the feathers when you pull it off. Thanks for all the advice.

[BeckyBird]

I use masking tape, and I stick the tape to my clothes first. That way, it is not  too sticky when you put it on the feathers. You can leave it on until the bird is dry if you want. When you pull it off, pay attention to the feathers. One way will pull off nicely, but the opposite way will pull against the feathers. Just make sure you are pulling in the right direction (don't worry, you'll know which way when it comes time.)

[jeremy]

First bird, not to bad my freind. Another option on those side pockets that works well for me is besure your body isnt to big and fill the area with caulking and as long as your wing bones are sitting well your side pockets will groom up nice and there will be no need for tape using this meathod. Sometimes I will use string to wrap around it like bird artist has shown before. The quail I posted on BOTW is all wrapped up now while he dries.