Does anybody know how to make the wings of a mounted duck bend down and forward like its wings are cupped (i.e. the scapulars, primaries and secondaries are positioned higher than the leading edge of the wings)? I was wanting to mount a duck with its back to the wall, facing the viewer. This sounds like a dumb question I know, but I've had trouble in the past with getting the wings positioned just right so it looks natural. Is there any special trick to this?
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You can get wings of birds to do anything they would do in nature. Carding the wings can do this. (Supporting the wings with card stock in the position you want. Also the primaries need to by bent to show wind resistance. This is not necessary with cupped wings. One thing that is sometimes neglected is the hang glider look. The bird is actually hanging from his wings, which are held up by air pressure. You can't achieve that motion by guessing. You need reference and lots of it. Prairie wings (sorry George) is the best single reference I have seen for flying ducks. The position you want is in the book. Position the wings according to your reference and card them. Card stock, masking tape,wires can all be used for this purpose. When the bird dries it will stay how it was carded.
Cheers
Tony
I appreciate your advice!