https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/rss-feed Articles on the wildfowl-carving.com web site 2026-03-09T21:56:28-05:00 Copyright 2026 wildfowl-carving.com All rights reserved. admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) support@tigrehq.com (wildfowl-carving.com Support Dept.) en-us Articles 2026-01-14T10:21:10-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2026 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2026 2025-09-30T15:11:16-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2025 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2025 2025-06-24T15:35:32-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2025 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2025 2025-04-02T08:51:59-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2025 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2025 2024-10-23T20:17:45-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Rose-Breasted-Grosbeak Last issue I demonstrated how I carved a rose-breasted grosbeak. In this article I will paint it. I will airbrush some of the bird and use a hand brush with washes for other areas. Its important to use thin washes for most applications. Use my mixture percentages as guides only. You should match your colors to what you see in your reference material. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Rose-Breasted-Grosbeak 2024-10-23T20:17:27-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Rose-breasted-Grosbeak-Part-One Grosbeaks have always been some of my favourite birds. The rose-breasted grosbeak has more striking plumage than the others, with a tuxedo suit and reddish-pink bib that gives it a sharp transition in colors. Despite the flashiness, I've always found it to be a difficult bird to find, even when I hear one in an old dead tree singing its heart out. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Rose-breasted-Grosbeak-Part-One 2024-04-18T12:53:22-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Eastern-Bluebird In this article I will be sculpting an Eastern bluebird. No matter how many times I observe them, I never tire of these beautiful small birds. During this project, I will carve the bird as a whole, rather than starting and finishing one area at a time. I find that, as I sculpt, I tend to move around the bird from one area to another instead of carving each to completion. If I carve each area to completion, one by one, I have to match the rest of the piece to the finished sections, and that can be difficult. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Eastern-Bluebird 2024-04-18T12:52:38-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Eastern-Bluebird-Part-Two Instead of priming the entire bluebird with straight white gesso, I use gesso to make various base colors. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Eastern-Bluebird-Part-Two 2024-02-23T13:25:45-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sing-Out-Loud-Part-Three Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sing-Out-Loud-Part-Three 2024-02-23T13:25:40-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Wicked-Hisser-Part-Two Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Wicked-Hisser-Part-Two 2024-02-23T13:25:36-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Creating-a-Cocktail-Woodcock Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Creating-a-Cocktail-Woodcock 2024-02-23T13:25:32-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bluebill-Basics-Part-Two Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bluebill-Basics-Part-Two 2024-02-23T13:25:25-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Shell-Game-Part-One Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Shell-Game-Part-One 2024-02-23T13:25:20-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Bewicks-Wren Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Bewicks-Wren 2024-02-23T13:00:18-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2024 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2024 2023-11-02T10:07:58-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ringed-Teal-Drake-Part-One-Carving Most novice carvers begin with modest goals. Initially we may hope to just complete a carving that looks something like the real bird. However, as you begin to master some of the nuances of this art form, your goals tend to evolve. You might find yourself following the twisting road of wildfowl carving, constantly amazed and challenged by the opportunities this art form presents. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ringed-Teal-Drake-Part-One-Carving 2023-08-08T16:20:54-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/WF-Summer-2023 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/WF-Summer-2023 2023-08-08T16:08:15-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Ward-Worlds Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Ward-Worlds 2023-08-08T16:05:40-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Gadwall-with-a-Twist Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Gadwall-with-a-Twist 2023-08-08T16:01:59-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bluebill-Basics-Part-One Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bluebill-Basics-Part-One 2023-08-08T15:56:03-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Make-It-Majestic-Part-Two Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Make-It-Majestic-Part-Two 2023-08-08T15:48:33-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sing-Out-Loud-Part-One Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sing-Out-Loud-Part-One 2023-08-08T15:42:12-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Lesser-Goldfinch Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Lesser-Goldfinch 2023-07-27T13:07:59-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Back-to-Colorado-Pt-3 The rock that provided the model for this project is a type of sandstone found in the eastern parts of Colorado. This particular rock had additional interest beyond its own shape and texture because of the variety of lichen and moss on it. For this sculpture, I wanted to replicate not only the rock but also some of the lichen and moss. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Back-to-Colorado-Pt-3 2023-05-19T11:01:34-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Make-It-Majestic Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Make-It-Majestic 2023-05-19T11:01:18-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Classic-Brant Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Classic-Brant 2023-05-19T11:01:04-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Creating-a-Classic-Part-Two Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Creating-a-Classic-Part-Two 2023-05-19T11:00:56-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Great-Horned-Challenge-Part-Two Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Great-Horned-Challenge-Part-Two 2023-05-19T11:00:47-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Ruby-crowned-Kinglet Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Ruby-crowned-Kinglet 2023-05-19T11:00:33-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/WF-Spring-2023 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/WF-Spring-2023 2023-02-16T12:46:02-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ringed-Teal-Drake-Painting In the previous issue, I explained how I carved a ringed teal, a bird that I have never actually seen in the wild. Now I am faced with the prospect of painting the bird, which presents its own set of challenges. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ringed-Teal-Drake-Painting 2023-02-10T08:43:34-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Yellow-billed-Cuckoo Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Yellow-billed-Cuckoo 2023-02-10T08:43:23-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Sitting-Pretty-Winter23 Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Sitting-Pretty-Winter23 2023-02-10T08:43:13-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Creating-a-Classic Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Creating-a-Classic 2023-02-10T08:42:57-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Tropical-Treat Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Tropical-Treat 2023-02-10T08:42:51-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Great-Horned-Challenge Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Great-Horned-Challenge 2023-02-10T08:42:43-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Water-Water-Everywhere-Part-Two Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Water-Water-Everywhere-Part-Two 2023-02-10T08:42:36-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Olive-Warbler Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Olive-Warbler 2023-01-19T09:42:02-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Alpha-Part-One Watching a gyrfalcon fly and hunt was an unforgettable experience. The bird's size, attitude, and grace were outstanding. When I got home, I started collecting gyrfalcon information, including study skins and a cast bill, so I could do a carving. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Alpha-Part-One 2022-11-10T10:53:35-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Making-Feet When picking a good songbird to demonstrate carving techniques, I chose the Eastern bluebird. I picked this bird because its size and shape are typical of many birds. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Making-Feet 2022-10-14T14:58:48-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Hairy-Woodpecker Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Hairy-Woodpecker 2022-10-14T14:54:35-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/WF-Fall-2022 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/WF-Fall-2022 2022-08-15T15:11:46-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/Introduction-How-to-Paint-Wildfowl-Carvings You want to be prepared before you begin painting your bird carving, In this video, acclaimed carver Floyd Scholz explains what you should do before the paint hits the wood. Want to know more about painting your bird carving? The rest of Floyd's painting demonstrations and how-to videos will be coming soon. Stay tuned! Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/Introduction-How-to-Paint-Wildfowl-Carvings 2022-05-26T11:09:35-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Rust-Story Texture is one of my favorite playgrounds with three-dimensional wood sculpture. The many textures of bird carving are fun to manipulate. Habitat provides the artist with great opportunities for even more textures. One of my favorites is rust. One year I received a critique on a sculpture I had done of a red-shouldered hawk on an old field mower rake, and the judge told me, If this was all about rust, you would win hands down. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Rust-Story 2022-05-26T11:08:39-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Branching-Out Creating a habitat for your bird should be a fun and exciting stage of any project. You have a wide range of subjects to choose from, and many ways to present and build them. One style I like is a non-pedestal presentationa freestanding habitat on which the bird perches. Thats the approach I chose when it came time to design a new presentation for a black-capped chickadee, and I decided to place the bird on an aspen branch. In this article Ill show you how I created the branch. You can apply these techniques to many other types of habitat and presentations. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Branching-Out 2021-11-23T08:04:31-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Heard-Through-the-Grapevine I try to teach my students that it is best to design and compose a piece before starting it. Too many people carve a bird first, ask themselves later how they should mount it, and end up putting the bird on a dead stick or a broken branch and declaring it done. I believe this way of proceeding is a bit backwards and seldom ends in a well-composed, artistic sculpture. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Heard-Through-the-Grapevine 2021-09-29T10:11:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazine-Master-List-of-Issues Wildfowl Carving Magazine Master List of Issues from 1985-present Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazine-Master-List-of-Issues 2021-08-18T13:42:36-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/Competition-2022 Wildfowl Carving Magazine is hosting another online carving competition! Find out how you can enter your carving for a chance to win. The contest will run from May 1st to May 31st. Good luck! Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/Competition-2022 2021-07-21T06:38:03-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/competition-2021 Wildfowl Carving Magazine is hosting another online carving competition! Find out how you can enter your carving for a chance to win. The contest will run from May 1st to May 31st. Good luck! Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/competition-2021 2021-07-01T08:10:24-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Common-Raven The common raven (Corvus corax) is a deep, glossy black bird that ranges from 22 to 261 /2 inches in length. It has pointed wings and elongated and pointed throat feathers. The raven is similar to the common crow but is much larger with a much heavier bill. The raven is generally found in mountainous cliffs but also in forests and deserts and is often observed taking two to three hops before it can become airborne. It is largely a scavenger, seen looking for food along roadsides and garbage dumps, and will eat crustaceans, bird eggs, insects, and berries. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Common-Raven 2021-05-13T11:30:04-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Painting-Drake-Eider The Pacific eider (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) is the largest of the six eider subspecies and the largest duck in North America. It is nearly a pound heavier than its Atlantic cousin (S. m. dresseri). The Pacific eiders range is within the Bering Sea to the southern Aleutian Islands. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Painting-Drake-Eider 2021-05-13T09:33:56-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Seeing-Red The striking colors of the drake redhead are unmistakable on the water, one reason why this is among my favorite duck species. I have been fortunate to win many best of show awards with redheads, including my world shootin rig win at the 1999 Ward World Championship. Redheads always seem to be strong contenders in decoy carving competitions. Along with success in competition, I have wonderful memories of hunting redheads on Michigans Houghton Lake. The sights and sounds of redheads in the wild and my appreciation for this beautiful bird fuel my passion for the species. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Seeing-Red 2021-05-03T10:11:12-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/East-Meets-West-Carving-the-Eastern-Blue-Jay It wasnt too long ago that the first Eastern blue jay showed up outside the window of my office in Montana. Its unusual call made me jump to my feet and when I spotted it I realized I had never seen this magnificently colored bird from the east in this part of the country before. The blue jay had found its way to the northwestern corner of Montana. East had met west. Since then my desire to carve this bird has never subsided. Any time I became aware of a blue jays presence Id go out with my camera and take photos, knowing some day I would capture this bird in wood. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/East-Meets-West-Carving-the-Eastern-Blue-Jay 2021-03-24T10:42:52-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/WCM-Winter-2021 ON THE COVERTom Park photographed his MINIATURE WHOOPING CRANE. See how he carved it starting here. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/WCM-Winter-2021 2021-01-18T10:36:54-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Miniature-Whooping-Crane Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Miniature-Whooping-Crane 2021-01-15T01:31:48-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Swellegant Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Swellegant 2021-01-15T01:27:33-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Whats-in-a-Name Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Whats-in-a-Name 2021-01-15T01:19:22-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Looking-Up-Part-Three Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Looking-Up-Part-Three 2021-01-15T01:14:44-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Illinois-River-School Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Illinois-River-School 2021-01-15T01:08:57-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/The-Curve-billed-Thrasher Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/The-Curve-billed-Thrasher 2020-11-20T11:38:47-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Downloadable-Issue-Index Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Downloadable-Issue-Index 2020-11-03T12:39:25-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/The-Wrens-of-Winter Every spring, when the ground is still cold and covered by a layer of winter-flattened leaves, I hike a trail at the top of a set of brownstone cliffs above Lake Superior. Mayflowers poke their first bright white flowers through the forest duff, fresh emerald-colored moss highlights a forest of rotting logs, and a tiny crystal-clear rivulet bubbles 50 feet below. The scene takes on a special charm when budding treetop leaves sway in the early morning sun and the earthy scent of forest dirt and fiddleheads fills the air. And its made magical by a thumb-sized bird with a love song that sounds like a symphony of tumbling, tinkling bells. This is the summer home of the cryptic winter wren (Troglodytes hiemalis). Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/The-Wrens-of-Winter 2020-09-29T09:58:30-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Bumpy-Year In the movie All About Eve, actress Bette Davis famously tells some party guests, Fasten your seat belts. Its going to be a bumpy night. Had I foreseen what 2020 had to offer, my toast on New Years Eve would have been something similar. It has been a bumpy year indeed. I hope everyone out there is doing okay during this very challenging time. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Bumpy-Year 2020-09-29T09:57:41-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/From-Our-Readers/Chip-off-the-Old-Block I am an avid reader of your magazine and its great carving articles, many of which I have used for my carvings. I recently had an interesting thing happen to me that I thought your readers might enjoy hearing about.I am a member of the Capitol Area Carvers in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin River Woodcarvers. When I participated in the Wisconsin River show in Sevens Point last September a gentleman approached my display area with a story and a request. He had a block of wood with a duck head roughly carved on it. He explained that, as a youth, his family had a wooden chopping block in their home. Later in life, he saved the block as a cherished memory of his family and childhood. He had envisioned carving a decoy from it for his current home. He had worked on the block but realized he had gone as far with the carving as he could. His question to me was, would I help him achieve his dream of a primitive decoy that he could display, made from the chopping block?We took a few minutes and talked about the old chopping block, with its splits, cracks, heavy grain, and water stains acquired over many years. It would be a challenge, to say the least, but I said yes.After many hours with hammer and chisel and a lot of chip carving, a primitive woodie emerged from that old chopping block. All the rough character, the splits and stains and grain from the block, actually became enhancements in the final work. This is the only carving I have done mostly with wood chisels. It will remain one of my most memorable carvings.It was the gentlemans dream come true and it will remain as a cherished memory of his youth and his family as it now rests in splendor on his fireplace hearth. From Our Readers admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/From-Our-Readers/Chip-off-the-Old-Block 2020-09-29T09:57:18-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Dances-with-Egrets What shall we do with a drunken sailor? Thats from an old sea shanty, probably dating back to the early 1700s, but its what I think of when I see a reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) dancing for its dinner. Dont let the name fool you. Most reddish egrets have cinnamon-colored feathers on their head and neck and a slate-gray body, but they also come in a striking white-feathered version. Both morphs have pink bills with black tips and legs that are sky blue on the back and sides and jet black on the front. Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Dances-with-Egrets 2020-09-29T09:56:29-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Turkey-Tail Occasionally, I get the desire to put birds aside and try my hand at other types of carving. Even then, my mind is always thinking about the next project. One afternoon, while scouting around the woods close to my home, I came across a turkeys tail feather. I wondered what I could do with it. Before long, I found two more tail feathers. Now the wheels started turning in my head. When I returned home, I got the idea to carve three turkey feathers on a single board. Ill show you exactly how I carved and painted it. Be prepared to get a lot of practice with your woodburning pen on this projectand enjoy the reactions when you tell people you carved it from a single piece of wood. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Turkey-Tail 2020-09-29T09:55:07-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Counterfeiting-the-Counterfeiters I love decoys! I love viewing them, holding them, floating them, researching them, reading about them, and especially making them. I just love decoys. Ever since I floated a Herters balsa pintail of my dads, hid behind a tree with my grandfathers 12-gauge, double-barrel shotgun, and watched that decoy on the water, I have been hooked on the concept of decoys as floating sculptures. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Counterfeiting-the-Counterfeiters 2020-09-29T09:54:39-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Looking-Up-Part-Two Painting is when your carving comes to life, and thats why its the stage of the creation that should receive close attention. I use acrylic paints for all my carvings because they are durable and work quickly. For this project I used Jo Sonjas Artists Colors, which I like for their more realistic matte finish. I want to control the sheen on my painting, so I add a varnish in specific areas that need it. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Looking-Up-Part-Two 2020-09-29T09:54:15-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/What-is-in-a-Name If a carver can have a signature bird, then the Stellers eider is mine. It was the first bird I entered in competition and its image graces my business cards, letterhead, and mailing labels. Nonetheless, few carvers tackle this species. In all honesty, I can think of only about half a dozen credible carvings of this magnificent bird, so let us see if I can pique your interest. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/What-is-in-a-Name 2020-09-29T09:53:36-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/WCM-Fall-2020 On the coverThe baby birds on the cover are by Tom BaldwinTable of ContentsPAINTING NOTES The Great Kiskadeeby Jerry Poindexter(Its your responsibility to make it really great.)PATTERN Great Kiskadee by Jerry PoindexterDEMONSTRATION Looking Up, Part Oneby Jerry Simchuk(No need to stand on your head when you carve a red-breasted nuthatch. But it might help.)PATTERN Red-breasted Nuthatch by Jerry SimchukDEMONSTRATION Sitting Pretty, Part Twoby Al Jordan(Lets paint a sharp-shinned hawk.)SHOWCASE Mr. Feathersby Jamie Welsh(Daniel Montano takes a unique approach to his art.)DEMONSTRATION Oh, Baby, Baby, Part Oneby Tom Baldwin(How to carve baby birds.)PATTERN Baby Chickadee, Carolina Wren, and Cedar Waxwing by Tom BaldwinCLASS NOTES Golden Ploverby Rich Smoker(Heres what you need to get started on this shorebird.)PHOTO FEATURE A Look at the Worldby Tom Huntington(Some pictures from the Ward World Championship will help tide you over until next year.) Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/WCM-Fall-2020 2020-09-24T10:31:30-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Oh-Baby-Baby In the first article, from the Summer 2020 issue, I reviewed the process for carving chickadee and Carolina wren fledglings, leaving you with one if not two unpainted and legless baby birds. In this tutorial, I will show you how to remedy these issues. Both carving projects will employ these brushes #0 Princeton flat shader, #10/0 Princeton liner, #2 Princeton round, #2 sable round, #6 sable round, " angle shader, and a soft grip #10 short shader brush. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Oh-Baby-Baby 2020-07-07T15:39:45-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Beginners-Notebook/A-Sense-of-Scale Every time I attend a carving show I am reminded of my own beginnings in the bird carving world. My very first songbird was a winter-poised, fluffy black-capped chickadee. I compared it with other chickadee carvings at its first show and I realized how much I had misjudged the true size of this bird. My chickadee was more the size of a white-throated sparrow, with so much fluff it looked obese. It was at this moment that I recognized the importance of establishing the proper scale of the carving early in the planning process. Beginner's Notebook admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Beginners-Notebook/A-Sense-of-Scale 2020-06-30T14:57:00-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ruddy-Love-Part-Two-Painting In a sense, this is a decorative smoothie decoy. Before I begin the painting process, I seal and prime the entire bird. I pay special attention to the paper feather inserts. Ive been using Krylon primer for many years. My painting style requires a very slick base for fine detail. Although Ive textured and burned in some areas, the primer will cover most of the tight detail, putting each fine line beneath an even, smooth surface. Everyone knows how difficult it is to try to paint over fine texture and burning, especially when you need vermiculation. So, I depend on the primer to fill in all that detail. However, the texture will still be just visible enough to make the feathers look three dimensional. I will then create most of the fine lines and detail with my 10/0 liner brush. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ruddy-Love-Part-Two-Painting 2020-06-30T00:19:57-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Going-Viral What a difference a few weeks can make. When I wrote my editorialfor the Spring issue, the coronavirus was little morethan a blip on the radar screen. Instead of writing about that, Iwrote about how I was looking forward to the Ward World Championship,among other things. I ended by saying, Its going to be a busy spring! Bythe time the issue came out, the world had changed. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Going-Viral 2020-06-30T00:19:26-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Summer-2020 Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Summer-2020 2020-06-26T13:59:04-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Look-at-the-World Thanks to the coronavirus, a nasty diseasethat erupted in Chinas Wuhan Province andspread across the globe, life as we know it tooka sudden turn for the worse in the spring. In aneffort to avoid sickness, people began keeping asocial distance and going into self-quarantine.People died. Public life crawled to a halt. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Look-at-the-World 2020-06-26T13:57:30-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Golden-Plover Ah, the golden plover! This is one of my favorites This particular bird was inspired by an A. E. Crowellcarving and I taught the seminar as part of the Ward World Championship in Ocean City, Maryland. Wemade the legs out of brass with copper toes glued to the base and filled the joints with Bondo. The joys ofthis class were three-fold. It was a homecoming of friends, we got to use oil paints, and I gotto tag-team teach with my brother, Ross. Enjoy. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Golden-Plover 2020-06-26T13:56:39-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Oh-Baby-Baby-Part-One Last spring, I had two nests in my yard, giving methe opportunity to watch baby birds hatch andeventually fledge. With most songbirds, newhatchlings are altricial, meaning they hatch featherlessand blind and require lots of immediate attention.There is not much to observe at the beginning otherthan the parents taking shifts for constant feeding. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Oh-Baby-Baby-Part-One 2020-06-26T13:45:53-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Mr-Feathers Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few years, you likelyknow the name Daniel Montano. And if you have been fortunateenough to see Daniels work, you probably realize its unlike anythingyouve seen before. Showcases admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Mr-Feathers 2020-06-26T13:44:24-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Looking-Up The red-breasted nuthatch is one of North Americas four nuthatches. These birds have short tails and long bills and they typically climb head down as they feed on insects found in the crevices of the trees. The red-breasted is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring 4.5 inches in length, with a rust-colored breast and belly that makes it stand out from the others.For many years while living in Montana I was able to watch and observe these fun little birds darting around up, down, and all around my pine trees. By placing suet feeders in the trees just off the back deck near the dining room I got a viewing center of never-ending activity. More times than not I watched the nuthatches heading down the tree or hanging on the feeder head down. It made it easy to come up with the title of Looking Up for this carving.Before starting any project, gather as much reference material as you can find. I surround my work area with photos, magazines, books, and study skins. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Looking-Up 2020-06-26T13:42:53-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sitting-Pretty-Part-Two-Painting Many carvers find painting to be their least favoritepart of this art form. I have never reallyunderstood why. The problem may bethat many people dont know how colors relate to eachother. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sitting-Pretty-Part-Two-Painting 2020-06-26T13:40:39-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/The-Great-Kiskadee The great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is a stocky bird that measures between 9 to 11 inches in length. It has a large head, short tail, and a stout, straight bill. A flycatcher that is frequently seen in the southern part of United States, the great kiskadee eats mainly insects, but will also feed on small rodents and dive into the water to catch small fish.The reference for the pattern and painting notes are from study skins provided by the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University in Tempe. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/The-Great-Kiskadee 2020-06-18T15:52:33-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Steps-for-Perfectly-Set-Eyes Before he carves the head, Rick drills a hole through the head block and fits it with a dowel the same diameter as the eye. Then he cuts and sands the dowel section to the proper length and mounts the eyes to the ends of the dowel. Rick feels this ensures the proper distance between the eyes and symmetrical angles for each eye. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Steps-for-Perfectly-Set-Eyes 2020-06-18T15:42:22-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Spring-2020-Events Events are listed alphabetically by state or province within eight geographic regions New England, Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay, South, Midwest, West, Canada, and International. We strive to bring you the most accurate and complete listing information available on carving events around the globe. If you would like your show to appear in the Events Directory, or if you need to update your listing, contact Tom Huntington (thuntington@ampry cp.com). Upcoming deadlines for additions and changes to the directory are May 1, 2020, for the Summer issue (covering shows from July through December 2020) August 1, 2020, for the Fall issue (covering shows from October 2020 through March 2021) November 1, 2020, for the Winter issue (covering shows from January through June 2021) and February 1, 2021, for the Spring issue (covering shows from April through September 2021). Note Unexpected changes do occur. Please contact each show you plan to attend to confirm details. The Events Directory is the property of Wildfowl Carving Magazine. Listings are not to be duplicated in any publication without the magazines written consent. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Spring-2020-Events 2020-06-18T15:41:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Annual-Index-Spring-2019Winter-2020 Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Annual-Index-Spring-2019Winter-2020 2020-06-18T15:39:02-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Most-Beautiful-Duck-in-the-World-Part-Two Intimidation! That is what many of you may feel as you approach what appears to be an incredibly complex paint job with the mandarin drake. All those colors!Intimidation and fear result in too many unfinished carvings. When youre afraid of ruining a beautiful carving with a bad paint job, painting paralysis sets in. But theres no need to be afraid. When you understand some basic steps and learn how to break your painting down into stages, all painting becomes, if not simple, certainly manageable. To me, painting is the frosting on the cake. It is the part of the process that truly brings a beautiful carving to life. This is the part I live for! My hope is that as you watch the painting steps unfold in this article, you will begin to share my enthusiasm. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Most-Beautiful-Duck-in-the-World-Part-Two 2020-06-18T15:38:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Del-Herbert-Shorebirds I find shorebirds to be some of the most fascinat ing creatures in our world. The more I learn about them, the more they intrigue me. With more than-200 species worldwide and approximately 70 indigenous to North America, they provide plenty of material for wildfowl carving.Many shorebird characteristics are governed by their life patterns. Most migrate extraordinary distances from their breeding grounds to wintering areas. The diminutive red knot flies from the southern coasts of South America to the arctic with only a short stopover on Delaware Bay to refuel on horseshoe crab eggs. They lose up to half of their body weight on the long leg of that journey. After breeding, the Pacific golden plover migrates to Hawaii and other tiny Pacific islands to winter. (How do they find those tiny islands in that vast ocean?) The record holder for nonstop long-distance flight is the bar-tailed godwit. It migrates from Alaska to New Zealand, more than 7,000 miles in eight days without stopping.My interest in these fascinating birds started in the mid-1980s when I attended my first California Open wildlife art show. I had worked with wood most of my life but I was still blown away by the beauty of the three-dimensional works of art I saw at the show. At first, I was attracted to the waterfowl and it took several years before I began to appreciate the intricacies of the gunning shorebird decoys and began what has now been a more than 30-year odyssey with shorebirds. My goal with this book is to inspire others to embark on similar odysseys.My previous book, Championship Service Class Shorebirds, was first published in 1999. A lot has changed since then. Better tools, better reference material, and competition have all improved the art form. My new book will cover many of those changes and include 10 new species.When I first started carving the category was called service class or gunning shorebirds. Due to the tremendous interest in these birds, many shows have added wading birds to the category and, in some cases, divided it down into two classessmoothie shorebirds and shorebird decoys. The idea was that smoothie shorebirds allowed the artist to paint to their highest abilities, while the shorebird decoys employed field markings only. Admittedly there is some ambiguity and possible overlap in these categories. Its up to the judges to differentiate.The inclusion of wading birds (herons, egrets, cranes, flamingos, ibises, storks, and so forth) tremendously increased the palette for those of us who love them. You can argue that hunters rarely, if ever, used decoys to hunt waders. Certainly, though, some used waders as confidence decoys to hunt other species. In any event, the herons and egrets are some of my favorite birds to carve and paint. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Del-Herbert-Shorebirds 2020-06-18T15:37:35-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Strong-Tail-Summer-Plumage I have carved many long-tailed ducks over the years, including one I demonstrated in the Winter and Spring 2016 issues of Wildfowl Carving Magazine. For my latest version of the species, I decided to try something different by painting the bird in its beautiful breeding, or summer, plumage. In this article I will demonstrate how I used brass rod to reinforce the long center pin feathers of the tail, and the differences I found with the plumage. For the basic carving demonstration, check out the Winter 2016 issue. I carved this duck for the 2019 IWCA-style Championship and I used it to try out some new techniques in painting. Ive had issues with paint chipping or peeling on my smoothie decoys, so I decided to use gesso and a sponge to add texture to the surface, which adds strength by basically forming a hard shell around the decoy where I will paint.Before I could do any of that, though, I needed to fortify the long and fragile tail so it could withstand the rigors of life as a working decoy. I decided to embed a brass rod in the bottom of the tail. I first bent the brass to fit the tails contour along the bottom edge, leaving the brass rod long enough so I could insert one end into the body under the tail. Shaping the rod was more difficult than I had expected. I used two pairs of pliers. When I bent the rod one way it would affect another section, so I had to go back and forth a lot to get it shaped correctly. Once I had achieved the underside contour, I cut a second piece of brass to split the two long center feathers of the tail. I needed to solder these together once I fitted them. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Strong-Tail-Summer-Plumage 2020-06-18T15:37:01-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Wood-Thrush Whenever I teach a carving and painting seminar, I create a handout for the students thatreinforces the hands-on instructions I provide. Of course, what I really hope is that my studentswill take the handouts home and use them to do birds on their own. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Wood-Thrush 2020-06-18T15:35:43-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/From-Our-Readers/Spring-2020-Letters I have a question for Tom Horn about a reference he made in the article about him (Tropical Visions, Winter 2020). He mentions the value in his Zeiss magnifying head piece. I would like to know what model and magnification power he has found the best to use. From Our Readers admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/From-Our-Readers/Spring-2020-Letters 2020-06-18T15:33:35-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Spring-2020 Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Spring-2020 2020-06-18T15:31:59-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Inca-Dove The Inca dove (Columbina inca) is small and slender, with coloring that can be a pale grayish brown or brown. It measures between 6 to 9 inches in length and has a scale-like appearance. The Inca dove is a resident of the Southwest but has been seen venturing northward and has an attraction for urban areas. The Inca dove congregates in pairs and groups, with some sitting on top of others. The Inca dove feeds entirely on the ground and eats grain and seeds. The measurements for the pattern and painting notes were taken from study skins provided by the School of the Life Sciences at Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Inca-Dove 2020-05-05T10:37:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Just-Gull-Part-Two In the article that appeared in the previous issue, I carved, sealed, and primed a herring gull decoy. In this article Ill try to cover painting the gull in general terms. My goal is to communicate how I strategize painting, rather than give detailed instructions for this specific bird. Unless otherwise noted, the colors I use are Jo Sonjas paints. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Just-Gull-Part-Two 2020-04-08T11:11:52-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Matter-Interpretation Because Lynn Branson derives her inspiration from nature, she calls her business Raw Earth Carvings. Imagine her shock when an order of business cards arrived bearing the name Raw Earth Cravings! You have to laugh. Showcases admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Matter-Interpretation 2020-03-25T16:03:25-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Hidden-Treasures Warblers are different. These bundles of feathered energy remain elusive as they flit through treetop leaves and needles, searching for moth and butterfly larvae. Focusing a set of binoculars on these birds is an exercise in frustration, but the thrill of the hunt is worth the effort. Warblers in their breeding plumage may lack a hummingbirds iridescence, but, like fine gems, they glow with depths of color that cannot be captured in field guides, paintings, or photographs. Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Hidden-Treasures 2020-03-17T15:18:30-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/The-Most-Beautiful-Duck-in-the-World Most waterfowl carvers have a favorite bird. Perhaps its one that evokes a cherished memory from nature, or maybe its a species that does particularly well in competition. There can be as many reasons as there are carvers. I do know that I could ignite an impassioned debate and get called a bunch of names if I were to say, The most beautiful duck in the world is the mandarin drake. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/The-Most-Beautiful-Duck-in-the-World 2020-03-17T15:17:03-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Learning-Experience This fall I carved an owl. It was for a class at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art taught by Rich Smoker. I spent three days on my owl, which was an antique-style bird that looked like it could have been used by a hunter to lure crows. I opted to carve mine by hand with knives and a drawknife. While using the drawknife, I managed to tear a big chunk of wood out of my owls back, but Dr. Rich quickly patched it up with a little epoxy and some masking tape. I was back to work before I knew it. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Learning-Experience 2020-03-17T15:15:10-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Sectional-Swan The trumpeter swan has an 11-foot wingspan, making it the worlds largest waterfowl. It is also the heaviest animal capable of flight in North America. Males of this once near-extinct species can measure up to six feet in length and weigh as much as 28 pounds. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Sectional-Swan 2020-03-17T15:14:30-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Sitting-Pretty he inspiration for this carving came from my female goshawk, which builds a nest every spring, lays eggs, and incubates them. I have always thought this would be a great carving, as you seldom see the soft side of a killing machine.The subject for this piece is actually a sharp-shinned hawk. Like the goshawk, the sharp-shinned is an efficient killing machine, but it comes in a smaller package. Anatomically, they are the same basic bird. The sharp-shinned is just downsized.The finished carving does not include the actual nest. It would have been just too big, overpowering the bird and chick. Instead, I rely on educated viewers to imagine the nest and interpret the story Im telling in the finished piece, which is that although this is a fierce accipiter that kills birds for a living, somehow Mother Nature allows her to care for a newly hatched chick. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Sitting-Pretty 2020-03-17T15:14:01-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Pileated-Woodpecker The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is our largest woodpecker (although the ivory-billed woodpecker, now presumed extinct, was larger). It measures between 15 and 19 inches in length. Pileated woodpeckers have black to slate-black plumage with white and red markings. The head has a conspicuous bright red crest and malar (mustache). The long bill is black. These birds will nest in cavities in dead trees 15 to 70 feet high. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Pileated-Woodpecker 2020-03-17T15:13:45-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Cork-Mallard-Part-Two I developed and evolved the techniques presented in this tutorial during my 35-plus years of decoy making and I have used them to make more than 500 cork hunting decoys that have seen service in gunning rigs from Alaska to Florida. These methods are the distillate of many hours of experimentation, trial and error, and conversations with other decoy makers. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/A-Cork-Mallard-Part-Two 2020-03-09T13:44:19-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Showcase-Big-Man-for-Miniatures Gary Eigenberger has the stocky build of a man designed for a gravity field stronger than earths. So its no surprise to learn that this award-winning bird carver was once an award-winning weightlifter. Showcases admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Showcase-Big-Man-for-Miniatures 2020-03-09T13:39:34-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Black-Chinned-Hummingbird The black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) measures between three and four inches in length and is considered to be the counterpart to the Eastern ruby-throated hummingbird, as both birds are slender with small heads and thin necks. The black-chinned hummingbird, male and female, will be the Best in the Northwest species at the 2017 Columbia Flyway Wildlife Show Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Black-Chinned-Hummingbird 2020-02-11T16:08:55-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Winter-2020 Check out our Winter 2020 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Winter-2020 2020-02-11T15:51:40-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/COMPETITION-2019-press-release Every year, bird carvers around the world eagerly await the latest edition of Competition. Published annually by Wildfowl Carving Magazine, this showcase of the best work from the previous years wildfowl carving contests displays the incredible work people do with this unique artform. Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/COMPETITION-2019-press-release 2020-01-22T09:33:52-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Cork-Mallard Historically, the use of cork for making decoy bodies was common in the East, especially in the coastal areas of Connecticut and Long Island. The material was readily available from discarded life jackets and other flotation devices. Because of its buoyant and water-resistant properties, and because it was easy to sculpt, cork was a great material for making decoys. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Cork-Mallard 2020-01-19T19:30:28-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2019 Check out our Fall 2019 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2019 2020-01-14T09:38:07-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-the-Black-billed-Magpie The magpie is one of my favorite birds to carve. It has great personality and beautiful lines, and the spectrum of iridescent color provides an interesting challenge for painting. The sculpture in this article is my most recent magpie. I carved it in 2015, and it was the best of show winner at the Prairie Canada Championships that year. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-the-Black-billed-Magpie 2020-01-02T14:46:15-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Strange-Birds If Picasso painted a bird, it might look like a Western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis). Start at the velvety black crest that sits on an undersized head like a bad toupee. Fiery red eyes glare from the crisp black-and-white head, and a dueling sword of a bill pokes out the front. A long, flexible, snake-like neck sits at the front of an oval gray body the legs are stuck near the butt. Add in a pair of huge greenish-yellow feet with grotesquely long-lobed toes, and this ancient bird looks like it was stuck together from defective spare parts. (The description of Western grebes also applies to the similar Clarks grebesAechmophorus clarkii. The two birds were once considered the same species.) Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Strange-Birds 2019-12-30T09:58:31-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/West-Coast-Brown-Pelican-Carving I have carved many other types of birds, but this time I decided to try my hand at carving a pelican. I referenced a copy of National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America and settled on the West Coast Brown Pelican in breeding colors. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/West-Coast-Brown-Pelican-Carving 2019-12-30T09:58:09-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/By-Any-Other-Name-Part-I When I learned that WILDFOWL CARVING MAGAZINE had never done a full demonstration of a long-tailed duck (formerly known as the oldsquaw), I jumped at the opportunity to visit an old friend. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/By-Any-Other-Name-Part-I 2019-12-30T09:57:53-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Alexander-and-Maria Early in 2012 I learned that the pair competition at the 2014 Ward World Championship would be grebes. I have had some success with my grebe carvings in the past and knew this was something I had to do. At first I wanted to do a pair of pied-billed grebes, an adult female and a juvenile male. I got busy and carved three juvenile birds, critiquing each before moving on to the next. I planned to enter my fourth effort. Then the photographer who had been supplying me with reference photos sent me a picture he had received from Europe. It was of an adult great crested grebe. That was all it took for me to change course. The bird was beautiful! I had to do a pair. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Alexander-and-Maria 2019-12-30T09:57:38-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Carolina-Classic You can trace the history of the canvas decoy back to the turn of the twentieth century and the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia. Carvers often made these decoys from scraps they found in the shipyards of lumber, sail canvas, and wire salvaged from shipwrecks. These birds were lighter than traditional wooden decoys. And, because canvas decoys did not require a large solid piece of wood, their craftsmen could economically construct large birds such as geese and swans. The Carolina birds traditionally needed only to resemble the fowl they were trying to fool, so their paint patterns tended to be very basic and the decoys lacked eyes. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Carolina-Classic 2019-12-30T09:57:22-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carve-a-Ross-Goose-Decoy-Part-One With its clean white plumage, contrasting black wingtips, and accenting carmine bill, the Ross's goose is a handsome species. About the size of a mallard, this bird is a smaller version of the better-known snow goose. The small size makes it a little less cumbersome to carve and easier to find a block of wood to accommodate the pattern. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carve-a-Ross-Goose-Decoy-Part-One 2019-12-30T09:57:06-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-the-Scrub-Jay-a-Bird-with-Character The scrub jay, like other jays, has a lot of character. You can spend many hours watching them in and around the feeders and yard. The long tail, streamlined body, and non-crested head make this jay appear longer and slimmer than the Steller's and Eastern blue jays, even though they are all virtually the same length. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-the-Scrub-Jay-a-Bird-with-Character 2019-12-30T09:56:44-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Just-Like-1936-Carving-Demonstration There is a power in simplicity which is why I chose to paint a famous Ward decoy, the 1936 canvasback. It is a simple decoy I will demonstrate my carving and painting techniques so that anyone should be able to make one. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Just-Like-1936-Carving-Demonstration 2019-12-30T09:56:27-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ruddy-Love-How-to-Carve-a-Ruddy-Duck-Part-One My first attempt at decoy carving was a ruddy duck. That was in 1987, and I was 13. My love for the ruddy has only grown since then. It is still my favorite species. I have painted all of my ruddy decoys in summer plumage, so for a change of pace this time, I created a stiff tail in late-winter colors. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Ruddy-Love-How-to-Carve-a-Ruddy-Duck-Part-One 2019-12-30T09:56:14-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Great-Horned-Owl-Miniature-Painting Painting the great horned owl seems like a daunting task. So take a deep breath and let's think this through. Great horned owls come in many color variations. They can be very, very dark, almost black, and on the other end of the spectrum, they can be almost white, with little to no barring. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Great-Horned-Owl-Miniature-Painting 2019-12-30T09:55:26-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Littlest-Falcon-Part-Two-Painting-The-American-Kestrel The male American kestrel has a unique color scheme, one unlike that of any other bird of prey. That makes it easy to identify and fun to paint. When I took on the task of painting this bird I broke it down into different color sections--the back, tail, breast, wings, and head. I began by laying down base colors for each section. These base colors are tones with extra gesso in their mix. Later I applied washes of acrylic color over these bases to intensify the color tones. I hope this painting demonstration is helpful to all in the pursuit of painting this beautiful little falcon. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Littlest-Falcon-Part-Two-Painting-The-American-Kestrel 2019-12-30T09:54:58-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Least-Bitten While researching a great blue heron project in 2008 I ran across some reference about the least bittern. Where the great blue heron is North Americas largest heron, the least bittern (Ixobruchus exilis) is arguably the smallest. And, yes, the bittern does belong to the heron family. This diminutive little bird caught my attention because of its size and bold colors. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Least-Bitten 2019-12-23T08:58:05-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/2016-Louisiana-Wildfowl-Festival The Castine Center once again held the Louisiana Waterfowl Festival over the first weekend in October, and as has been the case during the last few years, the generous prize money (totaling $45,000) lured in some of the carving world's top talent, as well as the home-grown carvers who carry on a Louisiana tradition. Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/2016-Louisiana-Wildfowl-Festival 2019-10-11T18:57:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Hooded-Oriole The hooded oriole (Icterus cucullatus) measures between 7 and 8 inches in length and has a long neck and a long, curved bill. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Hooded-Oriole 2019-10-11T18:51:10-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Half-size-Great-Horned-Owl By weight, the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is the second largest owl (behind the snowy owl) in North and Central America. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Half-size-Great-Horned-Owl 2019-10-11T18:43:58-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Bufflehead-Tweener Finally, were at the painting stage of the bufflehead drake project. I plan to paint this drake by hand without using an airbrush. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/A-Bufflehead-Tweener 2019-10-11T18:30:40-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Apartment-Dwellers Purple martins spend their winters in South America but nest only in North America. Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Apartment-Dwellers 2019-10-04T12:25:15-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Nashville-Style After carving and painting the Nashville warbler, we need a place to mount him. I want to create a habitat that not only shows off the bird, but is also just as beautiful. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Nashville-Style 2019-10-04T11:29:19-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/The-Joy-of-Owls Owls have a certain something. Maybe its the big eyes, the silent flight, or their nocturnal natures. Whatever it is, owls seem wise and otherworldly. Theres a reason why people like to draw them wearing mortarboards and graduation gowns. They seem to be, as we say in Maine, wicked smaht. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/The-Joy-of-Owls 2019-10-04T11:25:55-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/Events-Buy-Sell-Trade We strive to bring you the most accurate and complete listing information available on carving events around the globe. Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/Events-Buy-Sell-Trade 2019-10-04T11:17:18-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sanderling I find it nearly impossible to resist smiling when I see the small shorebirds darting in and out of the surf. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Sanderling 2019-09-17T10:31:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Maine-Way-Part-1 Traditional Maine decoys were practical in design and built for a hard life on the sea. Most of the decoy makers in Maine were lobstermen, boatbuilders, and maritime craftsman, and they designed their decoys simply but made them highly functional. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Maine-Way-Part-1 2019-09-05T08:19:06-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Avian-Ogres "One of the most breathtaking of the worlds weirdest birds.Thats how the late Roger Tory Peterson, ornithologist, world traveler, and inventor of the modern birding field guide, described the roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja). Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Avian-Ogres 2019-07-29T14:34:50-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/AGadwallTrio Gadwalls are one of my favorite species of waterfowl. I especially love the beautiful colors and feather patterns of the drakes. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/AGadwallTrio 2019-07-29T14:28:34-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Pacific-Brant-Part-Two-Painting In the last issue, I carved and primed a brant. Since both the Atlantic and Pacific (or black) brant are anatomically the same, we could choose either species at this point. I chose to paint a black brant because I prefer the warmer dark tones on the head and back. Furthermore, the black brant normally has a larger neck collar, which I prefer. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Pacific-Brant-Part-Two-Painting 2019-07-09T11:46:41-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Hen-Wood-Duck-Head I felt that a miniature duck would be a great project for work on anatomy, laying out and carving feather groups, and exploring different techniques to create diverse surface textures. When I choose a species for a class project, I like to pick something with which I am familiar, and one that the students can identify with as well. One of my most popular waterfowl miniatures was a wood duck drake, but many of the students in this class had already carved one, so we had to agree on something else. I knew the students wanted to focus not only on carving techniques, but also on painting, and the wood duck hen would certainly provide challenges there. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Hen-Wood-Duck-Head 2019-07-09T08:12:14-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2019 Check out our Summer 2019 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2019 2019-07-02T10:04:48-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/How-I-Carve-For-Competition Every year people ask carvers, What are you going to do for competition? If you dont know the answer, then you probably wont be ready to compete, especially at the Ward World Championship in Ocean City, Maryland. Preparing for the Worlds requires serious thought, consideration, and planning. When I entered in 2014, it was with a piece I called Peaceful Autumn. It had been in the works for nearly eight years! Every sculpture originates with an idea or inspiration. My inspiration for Peaceful Autumn arrived after many years watching ruffed grouse around my house and seeing them in the woods while hunting and hiking. The real kicker, though, came when I obtained a male ruffed grouse in pristine plumage after the bird ran into a customers house. I sent the skin to my taxidermist. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/How-I-Carve-For-Competition 2019-06-20T13:41:06-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Pyrrhuloxia The pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) resembles the Northern cardinal of the west, measuring between 7 12 inches to 9 inches in length. Pyrrhuloxia comes from two words pyrrhos (flame colored) and loxos, which refers to the reddish highlight in the feathers, mostly in the long red crest, breast, and tail feathers. The pyrrhuloxia has a curved parrot-like bill. The study skins I used all had different color characteristics. They were anywhere from grayish to brownish and more or less red in the area of the breast. Since the male and female are about the same size, too much brown would represent a female. Depending on your reference it would be best to first indicate where you are going to apply the red with a water-based pencil. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Pyrrhuloxia 2019-06-04T09:33:35-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bufflehead-Tweener-Part-One-Carving Several years ago, I visited the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland, and encountered a dozen or so decoys by Maryland carver Oliver Lawson. I was awestruck by the simplicity and the subtle blending of his colors. Those carvings have stayed with me, some 10 years after I first saw them. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bufflehead-Tweener-Part-One-Carving 2019-06-04T08:37:25-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-Common-Redpoll-Part-Three-Habitat Choosing the right habitat can make or break a carving, so plan this stage carefully. A bird may perch on any tree, plant, rock, or other natural or man-made object within its range. However, it is usually best to place your bird in a setting where you are most likely to see itin other words, in its natural habitat. Birds of the forest may occasionally appear in a grassland setting and grassland birds will now and then visit the forest. But I would stick with their usual habitat for a carving. In this article, I will demonstrate three different habitats that are suitable for the common redpoll. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-Common-Redpoll-Part-Three-Habitat 2019-06-04T08:07:41-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Shorebird-Bills I have a love for old decoys. I enjoy studying them to see the features that have stood the test of timeand those that have not. One concern about older shorebird decoys is the durability of their bills, which have been damaged or broken on many beautiful old birds. If we want our artwork to last for future collectors, we need to address this potential problem from the start. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Shorebird-Bills 2019-06-03T15:17:20-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Birds-Birds-Birds Wildfowl carving may seem like a pretty specific niche, but it has a surprisingly broad reach. Take this issue, for example. We cover the world of decoys with Tom McCollums bufflehead project, take a look at songbirds in Painting Notes, demonstrate three different habitats in the conclusion of Tom Parks redpoll series, and even discuss how to make realistic-looking rust in Tom Baldwins demo. On top of that, we have spoonbill reference, a hen wood duck demo, and Del Herberts explanation of how to make laminated shorebird bills. That covers a lot of ground! Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Birds-Birds-Birds 2019-05-16T12:19:57-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/Ward-World-Championship-2019 Wildfowl Carving Magazine's editor Tom Huntington attended the 2019 Ward World Championship in Ocean City, Maryland. Check out some of the carvings and people who attended! Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/Ward-World-Championship-2019 2019-05-07T13:37:52-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Nashville-Style-Part-Two When painting the Nashville warbler, I will not use an airbrush. I am relying solely on my paintbrushes. Before painting, I seal the bird with Deft sanding sealer. I then paint directly on this surface. I dont feel that using gesso on this bird offers any benefit. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Nashville-Style-Part-Two 2019-04-23T08:48:33-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/From-Palm-Tree-to-Pintail Ive done palm frond carvings for the California Open competition in San Diego in the past. The creativity you can use with palm fronds is part of the fun. The challenge is to portray the essence of the species while retaining as much of the character of the palm frond as possible. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/From-Palm-Tree-to-Pintail 2019-04-08T14:52:46-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2019 Check out our Spring 2019 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2019 2019-03-21T15:08:21-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Beach-Robin A letter in this magazine recently caught my eye. The writer said he wanted a simple hand-carving project that would help him with the basics of carving and painting. This article should fit the bill, while also providing some history about a neat little bird. The shorebird known as the red knot, robin snipe, or beach robin (depending on locality) used to fill many kettles in the 1800s and as late as the Great Depression and World War II years. Because the bird responded well to decoying and calling, many decoys remain today. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Beach-Robin 2019-03-21T15:04:21-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Day-Wildfowl-Carving There are many people out there who have no idea that wildfowl carving exists. When they do come across a beautiful carvingperhaps at a show, or maybe in someones homethey are often completely blown away by the encounter. I didnt know you could do that! is a typical reaction. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/Day-Wildfowl-Carving 2019-03-13T20:59:53-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-Common-Redpoll-Part-Two-Painting In the first part of this demonstration (Winter 2019), I completed the carving, texturing, and sealing of the common redpoll. I did not apply gesso as I still had to construct the feet and fit them to the bird and the branch. That involves a lot of handling and some of the gesso would rub off. With that step completed, I have now given the carving two coats of gesso and am ready to start painting. Painting the common redpoll involves a fairly limited palette. I will use a variety of browns (mainly burnt umber) grayish white on the underparts red or pink on the crown, breast, flanks, and rump black for the bib, forehead, and feet and yellow for the bill. The color swatches show the colors I used with approximate mixes. I recommend experimenting with the mixes before applying them to the carving. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-Common-Redpoll-Part-Two-Painting 2019-03-13T20:15:54-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Demonstration-Carvers-Block Many authors fear encountering writers block, the feeling of being unable to get thoughts down on paper. But have you ever heard of carvers block? Probably not, since I made that term up. Nonetheless, its something that does happen and Im sure all carvers have experienced it to some degree at some point.It happened to me after a long-time collector approached me at an art show, hoping to add to her collection. When discussing what she wanted, she told me her favorite flowers were pansies. I had no problem with thatthey would be fun to create with fire and metal. I asked her what bird she wanted. She said she would like a hummingbird. I agreed to do it, but I was already thinking that pansies are ground dwellers and hummingbirds dont feed from them. I wasnt sure it would work. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Demonstration-Carvers-Block 2019-03-06T09:09:22-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Wings-on-the-Water An in-depth look at a variety of ducks and geese for carvers and waterfowl enthusiasts alike, described in vivid prose from the magazine's best writers. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Wings-on-the-Water 2019-02-15T12:38:47-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wood-Carving-Companies/Woodcraft-Shop The Woodcraft Shop constantly strives to bring customers the most current and most competitively priced woodcarving supplies available. They cherish the friendships that have grown out of 35 years of serving the woodcarving community. Wood Carving Companies admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wood-Carving-Companies/Woodcraft-Shop 2019-01-08T12:23:54-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2019 Check out our Winter 2019 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2019 2018-12-21T10:54:30-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Peeps Peepsits a cute name that makes bird-watchers shudder. These peeps arent the mushy-sweet duck-shaped marshmallows that hatch on store shelves around Easterthey are a group of brown-and-gray, sparrow-sized birds that gather by the hundreds of thousands at favorite mudflats during migrations. Like the sweet peeps, when sandpipers gather en masse they are hard to tell apart. Even experts are baffled. One paper published in the American Birds journal warned that these species are extremely similar to one another and usually require considerable previous experience, exceptional viewing conditions, and a healthy amount of patience to identify correctly. Thats not an optimistic view for the average bird-watcher. Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Peeps 2018-12-21T09:11:28-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-Common-Redpoll The common redpoll (Acanthis flammea) is a winter finch that breeds in northern Canada. It is a brown-and-white bird with heavily streaked sides. It derives its name from a small, red forehead patch. The redpoll has a black chin patch, black feathering around a yellow bill, and two white wing bars. The bill is small and pointed and almost looks like it has been pushed back into the head. The tail is deeply forked. The chest and upper flanks of the male are a pale red. During the breeding season, the forehead patch, cheeks, breast, and rump become a deeper red. The female, while similar in appearance to the male, may be a bit darker and more streaked, and only the forehead and crown have the red coloration. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Carving-Common-Redpoll 2018-12-21T08:12:38-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Just-Gull-Part-One Everyone enjoys seeing gulls soaring overhead, especially near our beaches. Gulls have learned to coexist with humans, so getting up close and personal with them is not a problem. Frequently they will pose for photos along the railings of fishing piers or any of their other hangouts. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Just-Gull-Part-One 2018-12-21T07:48:43-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Nashville-Style-Part-One This project came about through a class I taught in Nashville, Tennessee. Obviously, when youre in Nashville and a warbler is the subject, it has to be a Nashville warbler. The pattern I used for the class was for a generic warbler, meaning you can use it for several different birds, as their anatomy is basically the same. There are some subtle differences, though, such as tail length, wing chord, and overall length. It is your responsibility as an artist to know and fully understand your subject. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Nashville-Style-Part-One 2018-12-20T15:59:51-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/North-Carolina-Redheads I had the hunting bug when I got out of school, so I jumped at the chance to work at a duck club on the North Carolina coast near Harkers Island. One image from that time remains etched in my mindthe sight of tens of thousands of ducks whirling around in a massive flight and settling down onto the propertys freshwater lake. The ducks were redheads, a bird that Core Sound hunters have pursued for well over 100 years. I remember watching the black-and-red cloud rise and fall as the ducks circled and waited for their turn to pitch down to the water below. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/North-Carolina-Redheads 2018-12-20T15:15:35-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Yellow-Breasted-Chat The yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) is a large wood warbler that lacks many characteristics of other warblers. It measures between 6 and 7 12 inches in length and has a large, stout bill and large head. The Western version differs slightly from the Eastern in that it has a little longer tail, grayish olive on its back, and a deeper yellow breast and throat. The yellow-breasted chat sometimes mimics the sounds of the kingfisher and crow. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Yellow-Breasted-Chat 2018-12-17T15:58:04-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/No-Fooling When I was a kid there was a commercial on TV where Mother Nature gets tricked into thinking the margarine she tastes was real butter. Told the truth, she becomes wrathful. Its not nice to fool Mother Nature, she says and whips up a storm. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/No-Fooling 2018-12-14T09:55:03-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2018 Check out our Fall 2018 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2018 2018-11-27T15:29:29-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/Bird-Carvers-Flock-48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival The Easton Waterfowl Festival, held every November in the town of Easton on Marylands Eastern Shore, selects a Master Carver for each show. For the 48th annual festival in 2018, the Master Carver was Jeff Rechin of Amissville, Virginia, a regular contributor to WILDFOWL CARVING MAGAZINE. At his tables in the Academy Art Museum in downtown Easton, Jeff showcased an amazing diversity of carvings, and not just the birds for which he had become known. Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/Bird-Carvers-Flock-48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival 2018-11-27T15:07:36-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Rechin Master Carver Jeff Rechin talks about a few of his carvings from the 48th Annual Easton Waterfowl Festival. Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Rechin 2018-11-27T15:07:06-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Baldwin Tom Baldwin talks about his new book, Three Bird Carvings, at the Easton Waterfowl Festival. Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Baldwin 2018-11-27T14:58:41-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Antiques The Ward Museum provided a collection of antique decoys at the Easton Waterfowl Festival. Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Antiques 2018-11-27T14:56:30-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Madden As Mark Maddens sign says, he is obsessed with owls. Check out this video from the 48th Annual Easton Waterfowl Festival. Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/48th-Annual-Easton-Waterfowl-Festival-Madden 2018-10-11T13:53:49-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Red-crested-Cardinal The red-crested cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a songbird that does not actually belong to the cardinal family. It is a member of the tanager species instead. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 7 to 7 inches in length. Its body shape is similar to the Northern cardinal. The red-crested cardinal obviously gets its name from the bright red head and crest. The species is native to South America but has been seen in Puerto Rico and Hawaii feeding on seeds, berries, and insects. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Red-crested-Cardinal 2018-09-27T11:47:40-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wood-Carving-Companies/Vincenti-Decoys Pat is a dedicated member of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museums Board of Directors where he currently holds the position of President of the Board. His enthusiasm and appreciation for the Decoy Museums mission has brought world wide visibility to the Decoy Capital of the World. In addition to the full time decoy carving business and running their decoy shop in Havre de Grace, Patrick and Jeannie both serve as officers on the board of directors of the R. Madison Mitchell Trust. Through their untiring efforts the Mitchell Trust has been enabled to support the Decoy Museums mission and ongoing improvement program. Wood Carving Companies admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wood-Carving-Companies/Vincenti-Decoys 2018-09-13T13:35:47-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Sea-Mice "There it is, the leader of our group called as she aimed her spotting scope toward the center of the St. Marys River, the home of the Soo Locks and the only outlet for the frigid waters of Lake Superior Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/Sea-Mice 2018-09-13T13:35:34-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Rodents-Beware-Part-Two-Painting-Barn-Owl The final stage to this sculpture is painting the bird. The barn owl has a wide range of coloration, from blond (light tones) to very dark markings. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Rodents-Beware-Part-Two-Painting-Barn-Owl 2018-09-13T13:35:25-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Greater-Yellowlegs-Part-Two-Painting In the last issue we carved and primed a yellowlegs. While the bird in this demonstration is a smoothie, I believe many of the techniques are also applicable to lightly textured pieces. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Greater-Yellowlegs-Part-Two-Painting 2018-09-13T13:34:55-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Tufted-Titmouse The tufted titmouse (Parus bicolor) is the largest North American titmouse, measuring between 5 to 6 inches in length. It is the eastern counterpart to the Western plain titmouse and is described as plain gray, although it can vary in color slightly from area to area Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Tufted-Titmouse 2018-09-13T13:34:44-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/By-the-Book I first met Tom Baldwin in 2011 at the Wings n Water show in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. As I recall, Tom had a magnificent red-tailed hawk in competition that year. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/By-the-Book 2018-08-01T09:50:34-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Greater-Yellowlegs Shorebirds have always been favorite subjects for me. My first experience with a shorebird carving was at the behest of my mentor, Bob Berry. That started me on a 35-year journey. I hope to inspire others to begin something similar. Taxonomically, the family Tringini is far from the largest family of shorebirds, and the greater (Tringa melanoleuca) and the lesser (Tringa flavipes) yellowlegs are just a small part of the Tringini family. However, they were among the most popular subjects for North American carvers of yore. Yellowlegs are some of the most common of the surviving decoys from the days of shorebird hunting. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Greater-Yellowlegs 2018-08-01T09:48:02-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Feats-of-Clay Before carving a bird, I often make a clay model, something I learned from Larry Barth at a class at the Ward World Championship some years ago. These models are great for working out design questions, getting a better feel for a bird, and helping create a pattern for the carving. Once I've finished the model, I can use it as a reference as I work on the wooden version. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Feats-of-Clay 2018-08-01T09:43:01-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Cedar-Waxwing A crested bird with a black mask, measuring between six and eight inches in length, the cedar waxwing has subtle blended browns and a yellow tail band at the tips of the tail feathers. It gets its name from the wax-like spangles on the secondaries. Its mask and crest provide a couple more distinguishing characteristics. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Cedar-Waxwing 2018-08-01T09:40:05-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/North-American-Pipits More than 100 warbler-shaped, sparrow-sized, drab-looking birds were walking, running, and bobbing their tails across a waterlogged lawn. Individual birds zigzagged to nab late-season insects as the flock moved forward like a horde of traveling army ants. These birds were American pipits (Anthus rubescens), a hardy Arctic nesting bird that does not fly south until snow buries the last insects on their menu. Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/North-American-Pipits 2018-08-01T09:36:11-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bird-with-Character I am ready to paint. I will use acrylic paints for this project. Acrylics are durable and work quickly, and I use them for all my carvings. For this project, I used Jo Sonjas Artists Colors, which I like for their more realistic matte finish. Some paints will leave a slight sheen to the finish. I want to control the sheen on my painting, so I add a varnish in specific areas that need it. My colors for the scrub jay are titanium white, warm white, smoked pearl, carbon black, burnt umber, raw umber, and ultramarine blue. I also used other Jo Sonjas mediums, which included matte varnish. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Bird-with-Character 2018-08-01T09:33:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/The-Trickster Look into the eyes of a bird and a wary intelligence peeks back. Gaze into a magpies and you find the cleverness to solve puzzles, the foresight to reach goals, and the wit to see the humor in the surrounding world. Magpies are smart birds.Although magpies are related to crows and jays, not even the most colorful jay can match the long tail, deep black body with green and violet iridescence, and crisp white abdomen and scapulars of the black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia), and the yellow bill and spectacles of the slightly smaller yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli). They are both striking birds. Reference admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Reference/The-Trickster 2018-08-01T09:25:44-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Painting-a-Ross-Goose The white plumage on the Rosss goose provided one of the challenges when painting this decoy. Simply using straight white would not work. I needed to establish a variety of white tones (highlight, mid-tone, and shadow) that would create the birds feather pattern and at the same time add interest and depth to the carving. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Painting-a-Ross-Goose 2018-08-01T09:17:21-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Alpha-Part-Two Painting for me was the hardest part of this project, specifically finding ways to make this white bird look soft and the rock hard. I wanted to create enough interest with each feather to capture a judges attention for just a bit longer. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Alpha-Part-Two https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/hct/Help-with-browser-push-notifications Help with browser push notifications admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/hct/Help-with-browser-push-notifications 2018-07-24T17:33:20-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/The-Illustrated-Bald-Eagle This guide is the ultimate reference for bird lovers, woodcarvers, and artists who have a particular fondness for the Bald Eagle. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/The-Illustrated-Bald-Eagle 2018-07-24T12:36:43-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2018 Check out our Summer 2018 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2018 2018-07-24T12:35:51-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2018 Check out our Spring 2018 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and demonstrations! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2018 2018-07-24T12:34:49-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2018 Check out our Winter 2018 issue! You really don't want to miss this Wildfowl Carving magazine. It's chock full of incredible articles and demonstrations! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2018 2018-07-24T12:34:07-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2017 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2017 2018-07-24T12:33:28-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2017 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2017 2018-07-24T12:32:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2015 In the Summer 2015 issue of Wildfowl Carving, we showcase a beautiful, antique-style Labrador flock carving and gallery. Plus, learn how to carve a Canvas Goose Decoy, Eastern Bluebird and Red-Tailed Hawk. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2015 2018-07-24T12:31:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2016 In the Winter 2016 issue of Wildfowl Carving, we share some painting notes on the American Redstart, walk you through the ABCs of carving knives, and explore long-tailed duck carving, toucan detailing and a teal reference. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2016 2018-07-24T12:30:41-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2017 This packed issue of Wildfowl Carving Magazine includes painting notes on the bobolink, four new patterns, a carving demonstration on the gyrfalcon, and more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2017 2018-07-24T12:29:45-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2017 Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2017 2018-07-24T12:28:22-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2016 The Fall 2016 issue brings with it a full tutorial on Jeff Rechin's flicker carving, a screech owl wall piece, and a glimpse at two birds that star in Talons of the Sky. Learn how to enhance a habitat and paint a white-breasted nuthatchand discover even more carving ideas. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2016 2018-07-24T12:27:25-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2014 In the Winter 2014 issue, we explore how to carve an American kestrel, a ruddy, and a pelican and it's habitat. We also take a look at how to paint a brant and a loon, and include a brief owl reference. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2014 2018-07-24T12:24:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2013 In the winter 2013 issue of Wildfowl Carving, you'll learn to paint a common Snipe, and a Blue-Winged Teal. You'll also learn how to create a canvas Merganser Decoy. Read up on the Mockingbird in our reference section and explore even more in the links below. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2013 2018-07-24T12:24:21-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2015 In the Fall 2015 issue of Wildfowl Carving, learn how Larry Barth approaches his work. Plus, learn how to paint a bluebird, carve a toucan and learn more about the grapevine habitat. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2015 2018-07-24T12:23:09-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2010 Celebrate Wildfowl Carving Magazine's 25 years of bringing quality content to the carving community in this Spring 2010 issue, which contains a special section in honor of this anniversary. The magazine's pioneers created it to provide a space for this special art, and you will get to read their thoughts on the process and what went into getting the project off the ground. This isn't a special year just for Wildfowl Carving, however you will also get to enjoy an article on the Ward World Championship's fortieth anniversaryit is time for commemoration all around. Don't worry, though, they didn't forget to pack this issue with premium content as well, including features on the oriole, cardinal, sparrow, and more. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2010 2018-07-24T12:20:56-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2010 This Summer 2010 issue celebrates wildfowl with striking personalities. From the California Open's palm frond decoys of brilliant blue peacocks to the incredibly long bills of particularly distinctive shorebirds, these articles will bring you up close and personal with some of your favorite species. Even the decoys are given a little extra character by Frank Werner's use of variation, and the painting techniques applied to the grosbeak and the cardinal will have you racing to your studio. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2010 2018-07-24T12:19:49-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2010 Wildfowl Carving Magazine delivers yet another issue of unparalleled excellence, with its feature on the untamable majesty of the golden eagle, a profile on two brothers with a passion for wildfowl carving, and an ingenious idea for what to do with the scraps left over from larger carvings. Readers can also continue the "Back to Colorado" journey, this time with the painting of the canyon wren, as well as catch Del Herbert's "contemporary antique" terns. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2010 2018-07-24T12:18:52-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2011 This Winter 2011 issue gives readers a tour of Peter Kaune's "carving cockpit," the first glimpse of a saw-whet owl project, and a dual history and carving lesson on decoys done in the Blair style. Jamie Welsh will also walk through the process of restoring a carved wooden swan damaged by fire and how she used her skills to tackle the tall order. This issue also features two different songbirds, the cedar waxwing and the brown thrasher, which will delight readers with their unique personalities. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2011 2018-07-24T12:17:20-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2011 Embark on the first half of two exciting new projects--a poised, powerful falcon and a detailed merganser--in this issue of Wildfowl Carving Magazine. While beginning these projects alongside seasoned carvers, you can also admire the finishing touches put on a classic saw-whet owl and Blair-inspired decoys. You won't want to stop until you reach the grand finale of the reference article highlighting the vibrant jewel tones of the ring-necked pheasant. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2011 2018-07-24T12:16:32-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2011 Wildfowl carvers know how to keep things interesting, and the Summer 2011 issue lives up to this tradition. From adding a little "funky" personality to decoys to embracing the unusual appearance of the cormorant, these articles will keep readers up on the latest in carving--and entertained at the same time. Another exciting feature is the article from Jerry Simchuk on the nitty gritty details of taking commissions, which are highly rewarding but sometimes tricky to navigate. The violet-green swallow, falcon, and mergansers round out the roster. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2011 2018-07-24T12:15:08-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2011 Discover the metamorphosis of a log of cherry wood into a merganser in action in this Fall 2011 issue of Wildfowl Carving Magazine. In addition, admire how Dave Harmon turns a bullying gull and his two scoter targets into a cohesive rig, while Jerry Simchuk uses clay to plan out and solidify his inspirations before carving. Finally, don't miss the brown creeper reference article on little songbirds whose name sounds much spookier than they really are. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2011 2018-07-24T12:13:06-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2012 Wildfowl carving fans should hold on to their hats as they take in the fascinating information and carvings featured in this Winter 2012 issue. Readers will be dazzled by the painting tips about using value, creating "abstract" decoys, and capturing the goldfinch's iconic yellow hues. These articles also explore how heartfelt connections like a parent or a special bird can influence the creation of a personal piece. Plus, learn how to use carving skills to commemorate an extinct species the passenger pigeon. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2012 2018-07-24T12:11:51-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2012 This Spring 2012 issue features fascinating information on the goldeneye and meadowlark, the beginning of an exciting gannet project, and a profile on long-time carver Jim Hazeley. These articles also highlight key painting techniques for some of our most beloved species, including the red-tailed hawk started in the last issue. Plus, readers will get an exclusive look at Wings on the Water The Great Gallery of Ducks, Geese, and Loons, a new book which pairs more than 24 waterfowl reference articles from Wildfowl Carving Magazine with iconic photographs from the acclaimed Steve Maslowski. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2012 2018-07-24T12:10:18-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2012 It is an exciting time in the world of wildfowl carving. Inspired by Art Cards Editions and Originals, Laurie J. McNeil shares her creative card-sized carvings, while a dedicated decoy carver decides to branch out and try a decorative carving of a roadrunner. Readers will also learn more about colorful Bohemian waxwings and the elusive--but not silent--whip-poor-whills. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2012 2018-07-24T12:08:05-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2012 This Fall 2012 issue has it all, from fierce birds of prey to a delicate hummingbird. Readers will get to admire Frank Werner's take on decoys in addition to the completion of Floyd Scholz's Ridge Pursuit. With painting tips and detailed information on the birds featured within its pages, this edition will not disappoint wildfowl carvers. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2012 2018-07-24T12:07:27-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2014 The Fall 2014 issue of Wildfowl Carving teaches you how to paint an American Woodcock, carve two different Grebe species, properly texture a Bufflehead, and reference pages for the Rough-Legged Hawk and Resplendent Quetzal. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2014 2018-07-24T12:06:28-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2016 In this issue of Wildfowl Carving Magazine, we will learn about MacGillivray's Warbler and how to build a decoy stand. We will also walk you through how to carve a redheaded decoy and showcase Gary Eigenberger. Plus, all about merganser crests! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2016 2018-07-24T12:05:19-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2015 In the Spring 2015 issue of Wildfowl Carving, we showcase a resplendent quetzal, part three of "Madagascar Waltz" and a feature on how to carve for competition. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2015 2018-07-24T12:04:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2016 Im tempted to call this our Special Painting Issue, because it really does focus pretty closely on that aspect of the art form. We have three really superb painters explaining how they do what they do. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2016 2018-07-24T12:02:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2013 In the 2013 summer issue of Wildfowl Carving, learn how to carve a loon, and a bittern, paint a crossbill and read up on coots. Beginners can learn how to properly scale your carvings and we showcase wildfowl and wetlands. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2013 2018-07-24T12:02:12-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2013 In the spring 2013 issue of Wildfowl Carving, learn how to paint a Barred Owl and a Western Wood-Pewee. Read up on the Whooping Crane in the reference section, learn how to carve a Downy Woodpecker, and cover and paint a canvas and wire decoy, plus more! Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2013 2018-07-24T12:00:20-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2014 The 2014 Summer issue of Wildfowl Carving includes articles for Swainson's Thrush painting notes, Floyd Scholz Peregrine, decoys as art, Lazuli Bunting painting, Bufflehead Hen carving, and a Flycatcher reference. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Summer-2014 2018-07-24T11:59:58-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2015 In the Winter 2015 issue of WildFowl Carving, learn how to paint a Bufflehead Hen and a Merlin. Plus, improve your carving technique by trying your hand at a Madagascar Grebe and a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. See all that and more below. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Winter-2015 2018-07-24T10:55:33-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2013 In the Fall 2013 issue of Wildfowl Carving, we take a look at painting notes for the Northern Goshawk, demonstrations for the Common Loon, the American White Pelican, and the Pacific Brant. Explore also, Tom Huntington's editor note on social media and enjoy a reference on doves. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Fall-2013 2018-07-24T09:53:36-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2014 In the 2014 Spring issue of Wildfowl Carving, we take a look at painting notes for the Gray Jay, kestrel painting, carving and texturing the Lazuli Bunting, habitat creation, and a reference of the Robin. Wildfowl Carving Magazines admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Magazines/Spring-2014 2018-07-24T09:36:56-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Loon-and-Chicks Loon and Chicks features step-by-step instructions on carving and painting an adult common loon and its two chicks and includes a guide to all essential tools and materials. This clearly illustrated background on basic skills and techniques includes patterns you can follow at home! Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Loon-and-Chicks 2018-07-24T09:31:22-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Competition-2016 The 2016 edition of Competition features eye-popping, full-color photography of more than 200 carvings from the world's top carvers and showcases the best shows across the U.S. and Canada. You'll see decoys, raptors, owls, shorebirds, songbirds, by Pat Godin, Gary Eigenberger, Floyd Scholz, Larry Barth, Tom Matus, Tom Horn, and many more top carvers. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Competition-2016 2018-07-24T09:30:17-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Hooded-Merganser-Drake Step-by-step instructions and detailed pattern for creating a lifesize hooded merganser drake. Plus paint swatches for exact color mixing and both airbrushing and hand painting tips. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Hooded-Merganser-Drake 2018-07-24T09:29:18-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Talons-in-the-Sky Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Talons-in-the-Sky 2018-07-24T09:28:29-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Workbench-Projects-Lifesize-Merlin Start-to-finish instructions and pattern for a lifesize merlin plus how to make your own eyes. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Workbench-Projects-Lifesize-Merlin 2018-07-24T09:25:15-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Competition-2015 This annual book is a must-have for carvers and collectors alike--notable carvings of ducks, raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and more, from shows across the U.S. and Canada. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Competition-2015 2018-07-24T09:22:14-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Half-Size-Osprey The latest entry in Wildfowl Carving Magazines popular Workbench Projects series offers easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and photographs that explain how to carve a half-size osprey from start to finish. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Half-Size-Osprey 2018-07-24T09:21:05-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Green-Winged-Teal-Pair Carvers will find all they need in this informative book, including life-size patterns, color swatches, taxidermy photos, and handy tips for all parts of the carving process. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Green-Winged-Teal-Pair 2018-07-24T09:20:09-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Workbench-Projects-Miniature-Snowy-Owl Step-by-step instructions and patterns for a one-third lifesize male or female snowy owl. Plus elements of design, understanding and implementing color theory, and utilizing light in your sculpture. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Workbench-Projects-Miniature-Snowy-Owl 2018-07-24T09:16:46-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Peregrine-Falcon Learn how to carve the Floyd Scholz way! The world-renowned bird carver explains the philosophy and techniques behind his most exciting project yet--a dynamic sculpture of a peregrine falcon in flight as it captures a green-winged teal. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Peregrine-Falcon 2018-07-24T09:15:54-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Antique-Style-Duck-Decoys Contemporary techniques to replicate the grace, flow, and imperfections found in antique-style ducks. Carving painting and aging instructions are included. Bird Carving Books admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Books/Antique-Style-Duck-Decoys 2018-07-13T12:36:26-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Altered-Landscapes Tom Huntington is the editor of Wildfowl Carving Magazine.Carver Tom Baldwin likes to work at the spot where birds and humans intersect. Tom Baldwin has long been fascinated by the way birds make use of the things that humans create. They make nests in the letters of drugstore signs, sit on fences, and perch on farm equipment. Baldwin likes to observe how these human-made elements force themselves into the natural world, and the way birds adapt to them.Its all about orienting to an adaption, he says. For example, the piece he carved for the world decorative life-size wildfowl division at the 2018 Ward World Championship included a couple of house sparrows perched on a bit of cyclone fencing. We see these birds sitting in cyclone fences all over the place, Baldwin says. The fence post and cap are wood, as are the birds, but everything else is metal. He made the fence from bronze rod and spent a good amount of time just figuring out how it all needed to go together. I spent a week just on that silly fence. Showcases admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/Altered-Landscapes 2018-07-13T08:50:48-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Rodents-Beware Rodents Beware is a name that suits this owl perfectly. Having lived on and around farms most of my life, I know how often you see mice. Farmers know to welcome barn owls into their barns as pest control. These beautiful raptors are much more effective at catching mice than any trap and much safer than poison.The barn owl is a medium-sized, earless owl with some unique characteristics. It has a heart-shaped white face with dark eyes, pale coloration, long knock-kneed legs, and wings that extend beyond the tail. The length ranges from 14 to 18 inches, with the females tending to be larger and more darkly marked than the males. At some stages, though, the male and female are virtually indistinguishable. As the male matures, he will lighten and become less marked. Barn owls live in many areas around the world. In the United States they prefer more arid surroundings at lower altitudes. They roost and nest in buildings such as barns, sheds, silos, attics, towers, and almost any vacant building that provides shelter and close proximity to food. Their diet consists primarily of small rodents, with birds and reptiles making up the rest. Many consider this owl to be the best and most beneficial rodent hunter of all. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/Rodents-Beware 2018-07-13T08:50:36-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Clarks-Nutcracker The Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) is a stocky, grayish-brown songbird that measures between 10 1/2 to 14 inches in length, with long wings and a short tail. It got its name from Capt. William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, who identified it during the Voyage of Discovery across North America. It is usually found in the Western portion of the continent and as far south as northern Baja, California during the winter months. The Clark's nutcracker extracts pine seeds from cones with its bill and carries them in a pouch under the tongue so it can bury them in the ground for the winter months. The reference for the measured drawing and painting notes is from study skins provided by Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. The Clark's nutcracker will be the Best in the Northwest species at the 2018 Columbia Flyway Wildlife Show in Vancouver, Washington, in September. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Clarks-Nutcracker 2018-07-13T08:50:29-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/The-Maine-Way-Part-Two In the last issue, I demonstrated how I carved a hen eider decoy inspired by the work of Maine carver Gus Wilson. Now its time to paint. Wilsons classic decoys were simply painted, and his hen eiders were solid brown with two small white slashes signifying the white borders of the secondaries. I will do a bit more painting on my decoy, highlighting the plumage with my artistic interpretation of an actual hen eider. The features I will incorporate are feather barring, curved tertials, and white wing bars. Instead of reproducing them perfectly, I will just indicate them. A simply sculpted decoy should have a similarly simple paint pattern. A hen eiders plumage varies from pale dead grass to dark brick-red with many colors in between. I chose a normal mid-range orangey/sienna winter plumage. The palette is simple and limited to burnt umber, black (only to darken the burnt umber slightly if needed), raw sienna, cadmium red light, cadmium yellow medium, and Old Holland Cremnitz white (a.k.a. lead white). Titanium white is an acceptable substitute. I like Cremnitz white because of its soft consistency and texture, smooth spreadability, and high blending strength. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/The-Maine-Way-Part-Two 2018-07-13T08:50:20-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Delta-Marsh-Canvasback I've always been interested in decoys that look old. Learning the specifics about some antiques has helped me carve my own renditions of classic decoys and actually hunt over them. In the series of articles I am starting in this issue, I will interview carvers who are considered masters of particular decoy schools and learn about the details that define those decoy styles. Each article will include a pattern and a short tutorial on how to carve your own version of that pattern. I'll try to keep the series interesting by covering not only waterfowl decoys, but also some shorebirds. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/The-Delta-Marsh-Canvasback 2018-07-13T08:50:00-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/American-White-Pelican Fish-eating birds come in different forms. Small birds like terns and kingfishers dive for minnows and shad eagles and ospreys grab fish from the surface and tear them into bite-sized pieces, and herons and egrets spear their prey and snatch it from the water. But those arent the ways of the pelicans. Instead of stabbing, snatching, and diving for food, pelicans scoop their prey from the water. And with the longest beaks in the bird world and a fleshy pouch that holds three gallons of water, they can grab a lot of fish with a single scoop.Despite Dixon Lanier Merritts tongue-in-cheek homage to pelicans, these birds cant hold enough food for a week, but they can easily catch and swallow fish that are up to a foot long. Once in a while a pelican might catch an even larger fish, which struggles and flops in the birds pouch like a person stuck in a hammock. Pelicans dont toss out the big onesthey twist and turn until they get the fishs head pointing to the back of the throat, and then they start to swallow. It can take a long time to swallow a large fish, but pelicans are tenacious. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/American-White-Pelican 2018-06-26T10:09:49-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/American-Crow The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is the larger of the crows, measuring between 17 and 21 inches in length. This common black bird occupies much of North America and has adapted to man-made environments, moving from forest to farmlands to cities and living in a variety of habitats. There is no reason to worry about the American crow becoming endangered because it is very adaptable and is considered quite intelligent. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/American-Crow 2018-05-29T15:51:46-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Beginners-Notebook/A-Side-of-Side-Pockets A decoy is more than the sum of its parts, of course, but it's still necessary to get all the different areas right if you want a realistic bird. In this article, I concentrate on just one aspect of a duck--the side pockets. Beginner's Notebook admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Beginners-Notebook/A-Side-of-Side-Pockets 2018-05-24T08:27:46-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Bobolink The bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is a medium-sized songbird that can be measured between 5 and 7 inches in length. It is the only North American songbird that is white on the back and black underneath. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Bobolink 2018-05-24T08:27:22-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/ABCs-Custom-Carving-Knives In the first part of this article (Winter 2016), I discussed how custom knives are manufactured and demonstrated the basic cuts. Wildfowl Carving Articles admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Articles/ABCs-Custom-Carving-Knives 2018-05-24T08:26:38-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Putting-the-Red-in-Red-Tailed There's a great deal of diversity in the appearance of individual red-tailed hawks. Their coloring can depend on the time of year, the lighting conditions when you observe them, the birds diets, their ages, the climate, and other factors. So there's no absolute right way to paint this hawk. You just have to try for the effect you want to achieve within the basic guidelines. The paint strategy I outline here will show you how I approach this magnificent raptor. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Putting-the-Red-in-Red-Tailed 2018-05-03T14:38:47-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Grounded-A-Northern-Flicker For this project, I decided to do a simple carving and sculpt a northern flicker in a sitting position. I've long considered the northern flicker to be a unique and beautiful woodpecker, with colors and markings that make it easy to identify. This flicker has striking plumage, with a spotted breast and black barring on its wings and back. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Grounded-A-Northern-Flicker 2018-05-03T14:37:42-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Roadrunner Through my years of decoy carving, I often thought about the beautiful work I saw every year at the Ward World Championship in Ocean City, Maryland, especially the work in the decorative life-size category. The need for change eventually took hold and wouldn't let go. Then, it hit me--I'd do a roadrunner with a rattlesnake dangling from its mouth, standing on rocks and surrounded by cactus and weeds. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Roadrunner 2018-05-03T09:07:28-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/Introduction-Airbrushing-Floyd-Scholz Feeling intimidated by the airbrush? Theres no need to be. In this video, noted bird carver Floyd Scholz provides some airbrush basics. Want to know more about painting your bird carving? The rest of Floyd's painting demonstrations and how-to videos will be coming soon. Stay tuned! Bird Carving Videos admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-Videos/Introduction-Airbrushing-Floyd-Scholz 2018-04-27T11:08:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/2016-Ward-World-Championship-Gallery As always, the Ward World Championship showcased the finest wildfowl carving you will see anywhere. The show, which took place in April in Ocean City, Maryland, displayed work from carvers throughout the United States, Canada, and all over the world. Here are just a few examples of the incredible carvings entered into competition. Bird Carving News admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Bird-Carving-News/2016-Ward-World-Championship-Gallery 2018-03-14T16:29:30-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Canvasback-Head-Carving-Demonstration For the following demonstration, I used knives for everything except the initial band saw work. Ill use a good variety of blade styles and sizes so you can get an idea where different shapes can come into play. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Canvasback-Head-Carving-Demonstration 2018-03-14T16:29:10-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Tips/Tip-for-Head-Placement-on-Carved-Birds With the top of the head plane square, draw the centerline for the head along with the outline of the head and body. Notice the pivot point I've identified by pencil. Wildfowl Carving Tips admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Wildfowl-Carving-Tips/Tip-for-Head-Placement-on-Carved-Birds 2018-03-13T08:26:56-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Black-billed-Magpie-Part-Three-Feet-and-Habitat When this project began, I did not have a final vision of the completed sculpture, so I had to decide how to incorporate the magpie into some form of composition. Since the pose suggests a bird that has just landed, or is about to move forward, I had an idea that perhaps something had caught its keen eye and motivated it to descend through the branches to investigate. Magpies are common scavengers in many areas with elk, so it seemed a natural fit to have this bird checking out an antler it spotted. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Black-billed-Magpie-Part-Three-Feet-and-Habitat 2018-03-13T08:26:31-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Hand-Painted-Kingfisher-Part-Two-Painting You have a certain freedom when painting a smoothie because youre not locked in by carved and textured feathers. The smooth surface lets you change things as you paint, and that means you might even end up with a better layout than you could have achieved through carving. I also find that I can achieve finer detail on a smooth surface than on a textured one. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Hand-Painted-Kingfisher-Part-Two-Painting 2018-03-13T08:25:23-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Beginners-Notebook/Basic-Black-Carving It was mid-January on a small pothole just off of Coinjock Bay in Currituck, North Carolina. In the early-morning darkness I discovered that the decoy bag that was supposed to be in my stick blind wasnt there. But I found a lone, nearly rotten cork black duck decoy in some leaves and debris under the bench seat. It had no weights, but I rummaged through my shell box and found a piece of cord about 3 feet long. I waded out into the pond and shoved a long stick into the mud, and then tied the decoy to it. As a sliver of orange appeared in the eastern sky, I heard wings and then a splash. The old decoy was no longer alone. I was amazed how this one cork bird pulled in a quick limit of teal, mallards, and black ducks all by itself without any calling. Beginner's Notebook admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Beginners-Notebook/Basic-Black-Carving 2018-03-13T08:24:21-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/New-Old-Stuff Were launching what will be a continuing series this issue. Keith Mueller kicks it off with a demonstration of a contemporary antique hen eider, based on the work of Maine decoy maker Gus Wilson. In future issues, we plan to spotlight more modern antiques with work inspired by vintage carvings. Editor's Column admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Editors-Column/New-Old-Stuff 2018-03-12T16:24:49-05:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Say-No-to-Dust Dust is part of carving, whether its from power carving or sanding. I designed a carving bench that collects about 95% of the dust. (This bench also works well if you use an airbrush for painting.) Carving friends and students who saw it wanted their own benches, which they could accessorize as they wanted (such as adding shelves). These plans are the result of various iterations. Demonstrations admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Demonstrations/Say-No-to-Dust 2018-03-08T07:55:14-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Vermilion-Flycatcher The vermillion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubins) measures between 5 and 6.5 inches in length and has a bright red crown and underparts. Painting Notes admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Painting-Notes/Vermilion-Flycatcher 2018-03-01T13:56:59-06:00 https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/My-Blue-Period Two months before the 2016 Ward World Championship, I wasnt even sure if I would attend. An array of concepts filled my head. They all seemed great and worth executing. But there was always one that I kept going back to, one that I had in my mind since high schoola Cubist ruddy duck. Showcases admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/Showcases/My-Blue-Period https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/hct/Disclosure-Policy-for-Product-Reviews Disclosure Policy for Product Reviews -- The Federal Trade Commission requires that we disclose any relationship we have between a product manufacturer and service provider when we write about a product or service. admin@primecp.com (wildfowl-carving.com Admins) https://www.wildfowl-carving.com/hct/Disclosure-Policy-for-Product-Reviews