I'm getting ready to mount my 1st Hooded Merganser and have a couple of questions.
- I plan on doing a standing pose with the head feathers extended (puffed-up) on my referance photos the only pictures let that are when they are swimming. Is this a natural pose for a standing Merganser.
- I will be using an artifical head. Are there any good techniqes or pointers that someone could give to get the head feathers in the extended (puffed-up) poistion.
Thanks
Jeff
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Jeff, A beautiful bird to work with for sure! The standing mount is best I think for showing all the feather markings and the "hood" is,I think,quite proper for the pose. As for setting up the head feathers I use the artificial head with a thin layer of apoxiesculpt on top of the head. Pull the scalp into position, glue edge of skin in place and use a needle to pose the feathers of the head, pressing the skin into the apoxiesculpt. When all is dry the hood will stay in place. Enjoy, Aaron H.