I have been mounting birds now for some time, but I have never done waterfowl. I have a nice bufflehead drake that I would like to do, but I have some questions... I noticed that the beak is soft, and that it will probably shrink. Should I buy an artificial head? I don't have an airbrush, so I don't know how I would do a realistic looking beak. I am doing the mount standing- possibly one leg. Also, I have heard that these ducks are best done by not wiring the wings and instead just pinning them in place, and that this makes them look better too. I would like to do make this bird look as good as possilble. Any good tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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I did my last Bufflehead landing with its wings cupped and it looked great.You get a good look at all the colors in there head that way and it's light purpleish feet really stand out. I used the real head and there was very little shrinkage in the bill, I barely noticed a difference and it's been years.
No disrespect Dan but I would bet if you put that head next to live bufflehead or artificial you would see the difference. You probably just do not notice it since you are used to it. Now Chris, I would recommend getting an airbrush if you plan on doing much taxidermy. It is used in just about every part of taxidermy. It is much easier to blend paints to look natural than a paintbrush.
Todd B
is for artificial heads. Just easier and faster for me. I also like the fact you can paint them before using them thus eliminating the potential of over spray. If you are going to do very many birds you should get an airbrush and practice - the product is better in the end - this is not to say that an effective painter with a brush is less effective - taxidermy was around long before the air brush. With regard to wiring the wings, I wire them standing or flying. For standing birds I use a much smaller guage - 14-16 for a bufflehead. I believe I can get a better pose with more fluff without the pins. I also like the fact that the wing is attached to the manikin. Buffleheads are great birds to mount - be sure to degrease very well particularly the neck and head so the feathers will fluff well - Also have some good pictures and other reference material. Good Luck