I checked the archives but I want a fresh answer on this.
On a hooded merganser what incision is the best for the head, and I dont use artificial heads, and wont, just my preference. I just dont like them. This mount is a standing mount that will be viewed 360 degrees.
Thanks
PS Too many Mikes on this forume so I'll use my last name instead (Larson)
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
It would be better to cut under the throat than on top of the head. If you cut the top of the head, it would be very hard to get those long feathers to lay just right. The head feathers "make" the bird, so you want to keep them in perfect condition. Well, have fun with it!
Becky
Mike I cut on the back side of the neck. I understand that it will be viewed at 360 but would cut the side that will be towards the back for the most part. I have alway's done it this way and with a small needle you should have no problem laying the feathers back in place.
I would think the seam would be tough to hide on the bottom of the head with such short feathers.
Thanks Becky
thats what I usually do with all my birds (waterfowl), I just was wondering what other options I have with a hoody,
Hooded Mergansers have very large necks that will allow you to invert the head without cutting anywhere.
Never cut a hoodie there is absolutly no reason to ..Its one of the few duck that invert...............What are you guys thinking?/
I guess some like to cause themselves extra work..
Must just be me. I have been able to invert a immature bird, but one with a full hood have alway's cut.
they will invert totally even with the crest. I however, will skin the head completely out as if I were using an artificial. THis will allow complete coverage when cleaning/ fleshing the skin which is by far the #1 most important thing if you expect to get the crest to fluff up. I have found if you dont do this, you are unable to flesh that very front portion of the skull which in turn will dry improperly causeing the whole crest to have problems.
Even if you do not use an artificial head, the method is worth learning and implementing.. makes handling the skin easier, cleaning eh skull easier, finish work easier, and takes about the same if not less time than the conventional way.
Jon
of how to voice his opinion without slamming others for theirs! No wonder there are Jay's and Bruce's on the forum.
Yep I guess I shouldnt have asked ."what the hell are you guys thinking"..Must be some very sensitive folks out there..I did 12 of them this fall and not a one with a problem..Inverting is the easiest way.. Vic maybe a little moisture would solve the hood problem?Its what I used to do till I started casting my own heads...Hoodies and ruddys are the easiest of all duck to mount.........
Thats what I wanted to hear. I personally have never done a hoody, because you just dont see many in my area, and i wondered if that could be done just by looking at it. Thank all of you so much. I would much rather invert the head.
Again, thanks
yep to other peoples feelings. I'm just a chicken I guess.......lol All is cool with me. This is what makes a good forum. Many options to try, then pick the one that works best for you.
Ya I dont know what the hell.. I was crabby....Working to late I guess ...Yep there are many ways to do em but if your not useing a replacement the The invertion works..The trick is to not do it in a clump..Allow it to invert slowly..Its like with pheasants if you do the head both ways slowly they work just fine but most get them all skun down to the skull base and instead of backing the skin up and releiveing the feathers that are all clumped up they keep trying to get it inverted and end up with a messed up head..
Ok its like if ya bunch up your sock on your foot as ya take it off or if you pull the top down and allow it to roll over in a single pull it goes over the ankle easier..Humm is the right Hummmmmmmm I think so ..Grrrrrrrr I need coffee,, anyway just trying to help...
Ive done many pheasants.
Thanks
Very good way of explaining it, with the sock. Why didn't you say that in the first place?......LOL That is where I usually chicken out, but will try next time. I will admit the relief cut is very small and now that you say it can be done........it will be. I was having a moment to, doing finishing work.......yuk!
A hooded merganser has an incredibly stretchy neck. They routinely swallow fish the size of small perch. In addition, they inflate their throats like bullfrogs during their courtship display.
The biggest problem with a hooded merganser's neck skin is what to do with all of the excess.
OK...WE ALL AGREE THAT INVERTING IS THE DEAL BUT.....HOW THE HELL DO YOU GET THE HOOD TO STAND UP AND LOOK GOOD WHEN DRIED.? I'VE TRIED SEVERAL WAYS INCLUDING DRYING UPSIDE DOWN, HAIRSPRAY, ETC. ANY GOOD IDEAS, RON.
properly fleshed and all the membranes broken down on the head, then it will be much easier. I personally have never had one NOT stand up on it own with little or no assistance. If anything a simple fluff with soft air will generally do the trick. Maybe a back brushing once or twice too.. But generally, they just seem to work if get the fleshing down good.
Nancy was right, the hardest thing is usually what to do with all that extra skin... and there will be tons.
JOn
I do pretty much the same as JOn..Ive found I do more and more preening and adjusting with air,, On the hoodie just before I give it the final poof I use the latex filled syringe and go up through the eye opening and give it a littel squirt of caulk....
I do use either the air brush or a small air nossle to do the final poof and alignment..Pretty neet how nature does have memory.
As for the neck,,There again I use air I blow up the neck withtrough a ear and let it slowly shrink a tad then adjust by working out the clumps or rings in the feathers with a upholstry adjuster/long pin...