I a preparing to mount a wood duck standing and have a reference picture out of a DU magazine. It is standing and I would guess you would call it a resting pose, but anyway the body of resting ducks seem to be very full or fluffy and not more lengthy like the foam body that I have. Any suggestions on how to modify the body? Seems like the breast needs to be more rounded also. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
Are you implying that when a duck sits or stands, it's basic physiology changes? That's a smartassed question I know, but you then realize that it's the skin and feathers that change that make the difference. A ducks skeleton won't change to the degree your question implies, so wing placement and correct anatomical placement are the only criteria you need to make the duck look "real". Trust the form and then make your artistry determine the pose.
Yep waterfowl bodies dont move at extremes, the leg and the wings and the neck may, but that body dont bend much, except to shake the tail.
Heres the deal you like the picture, be sure you have a small enough body to work the skin around and fluff up the breast your way.
If you use calipers or similar to measure between the ducks "shoulder blades" it will help get your form right. After you skin your bird play with the neck and legs, move them around and figure out where they need to be to get your pose correct. Measure and mark on the form where the joints are and your wires need to be placed. Make your form as near exact to the body of your bird after he is skinned. I do like my forms a hair small so I can go back with cotton and caulk to replace the fatty areas I removed from the skin. Good Luck--enjoy