I'm way over my head on this one. I've probably looked at everybody's bird gallerys on this site and I've never seen anyone mount a bird like this. I'm guessing there is a reason! The pose I want to mount my bird is on this link, www.minnesotawaterfowler.com . Home page, It's the 3rd duck on the left...A Mallard upright flapping his wings in the water. I'm sure if you keep reference pic's like me, you know what I'm talking about.
Logistically, how do I pull this off. Now, I've already mounted my bird in this position last night. Probably a mistake. My base should arrive any day. Where I'm afraid I'm going to run into trouble is getting the tail and maybe feet into the plexiglass hole. The base I ordered has a removeable bottom & no portholes as suggested by a friend of mine. Don't want to mangle the tail and legs, even though they probably won't be that visible. Might do this for competition because the bird turned out really nice. Does anyone have any tricks?
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There are a few questions that come to mind, and lm sure there are people out there who have mounted birds in this pose.
Have you had any experience with clear casting resin technigues ?
Is the base you have ordered deep enough to clear the submerged body and tail?
Does your mount have any support rod to keep the bird upright?
If for comp purposes, l would use a deep base with window portals, but if this is your first comp piece, my advice would be to keep it simple until you get a feel of how the judging system works best for you.
Yes, I have experience with resins...My base is 5 1/2 deep and I went without the portholes, incase I have trouble getting the feet in. Yes, I've got the support rod near the tail and I'm set to go. He's already positioned. Yes, I've done a competition or 2.(many) How do I pull off getting the feet and tail in that small hole...If it was a normal swimming mount, this wouldn't be an issue, because the feet are below the bird, so they would fit into the cut in the plexi-glass. Plus, I've got the tail to deal with. Maybe, I'm not explaining my question that well.
Rick, hope this helps. I mounted one similar. I had to cut a hole in the Plexiglas just big enough to get the lower half of the bird in. I used clear acrylic rod to support the bird. Then I made some ripples that I laid against the bird. The ripples will cover the cut in the glass. Also the ripples will keep the resin off the bird when you make a pour of resin. I use a brush to apply the resin over the ripples around the bird. Hope this will help.