1st duck mount - Hooded Merganser - Critique welcome!

[Marissa W.]

I did do an Old Squaw once before this Hoodie so this is really my 2nd mount, but I didn't like how it came out, I didn't do the eyes right lol (How do I fix it?!).

sorry it's so dark, I can take new pics if needed. Around the eyes have been painted but it was after I took these pics.

I used this pic as a reference


P.s. the tiny white spot on the neck is a hole where it got shot and I filled it with caulk, it has been painted over, too.

Critique is always welcome, keep it brutal too.  

[Timber Ghost]

Pics are too dark
try agaim Marissa

NOW THERE NOT
GOOD JOB

[Marissa W.]

Pics are too dark
try agaim Marissa

Thanks for letting me know! Going to take new ones now!

[Marissa W.]

new pics added!

[Artistic Wildlife]

Looks like the bird could have been wash a few more times, that bill is not the correct position for that pose you are trying to get. Hood needs to be spread more on the top, and pulled up on the bottom. You need to bend the legs at both the ankle and the knee for a more live like swimming look. Breast needs to be pulled up towards the head, also the breast could have used some cotton fill for a better flow into the body. Eye look off to me as well not sure why!

[BHarris]

yes, what they said, wash,wash,wash then dry thoroughly but keep the inside of skin moist. Fill out the chest neck area more and the pupils on your eyes look too small. good job though keep at it!

[Marissa W.]

Thanks guys! I'll take your advice and try to improve on the next one!

[Brian]

where did you get the specimens????lol. i guess dave never told you he got the hoodys and bufflehead from me for you. your welcome.lol.

[Marissa W.]

where did you get the specimens????lol. i guess dave never told you he got the hoodys and bufflehead from me for you. your welcome.lol.

yeah, he didn't tell me! Thanks a lot for them, haha.

[Brian]

anytime. hes says your a great gal . im more then happy to help you.

[jc1982]

Hoodies are a B!@~#~@tch for your first. It is not bad but a bit rough. Two areas that give you problems - the crest and the neck. Some use clay to get the crest to stay up and others use calk. I use calk because it is easier to manipulate. Once you get the crest up high enough take a pick tool and separate the feathers on the crest. They are actually in two rows. Then use a soft paintbrush to align the crest. The necks on hoodies is HUGE. As I'm sure you found out. I use 1" neck foam but a very small gauge wire so I  can easily position the head/neck. Using the 1" neck foam will give the neck all the support it needs once the skin is dried. Also, the pupil in your eye is too small. And what everyone else said....WASH THOSE NASTY Divers a LOT and use Coleman fuel after washed. I know everyone says it only helps to displace water but it will also pull a lot of additional grease out.