Blue Grouse
I found my inspiration for this carving on Grouse Mt. in Vancouver B.C. . This bird posed for me literally at my feet and was completely unafraid.
American Woodcock
These birds live near marshes along the edges of woodlands, and use their long bills to dig for earthworms. They nest on the forest floor, and are extremely camouflaged, blending into their natural surroundings. The mama Woodcock depicted here is being followed by her baby chicks that are only two or three days old. They are already learning to catch their own earth worms! Within four weeks these chicks will be full grown.
Northern Bobwhite Quail
This quail is found throughout the Southeast and Midwest in North America. They flock together in tight families. They like the open woodlands especially where there is plenty of underbrush for them to run under. They have all kinds of shades of brown, which provided me an opportunity to burn on much of the color. This little feller has been foraging for bugs and seeds on the forest floor, and has stopped to look around. Maybe it heard you coming!
California Quail
California Quail, scooting along under branches and across the lawn, are such a fun and happy sight, and many of you have seen them in your own backyard. The legs on this quail, as in all of my newer work, are not lead castings but are built from steel rod, copper wire, and epoxy and are very strong.
Mourning Dove
These birds appear abundantly in agricultural areas and open habitats. Of all the doves, they are perhaps the prettiest with their trim bodies long tail, black spots in the upper wings, and a pinkish wash below. Perhaps it is because of their soft appearance and gentle cooing sound, that they have come to represent peace and, the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Ruffed Grouse
Some of you who hunt will recognize this bird. Perhaps you were startled by the burst and roar of wings as you flushed one out of the bush. I have depicted this male raising his ruffs and crest, fanning his tail, and beating his wings to make a hollow, accelerating, drumming noise. Perhaps you have heard it.
Ring-necked Pheasant
This is a very popular game bird. The carving was life sized and went to the home of a hunter. It's interesting to me that it is the males that have the brighter coloring.
White-tailed Ptarmigan
If you like hiking in the mountains you may have come across one. They can be found on rocky alpine slopes, and make a soft clucking sound and low hoots.
Blue Grouse
The inspiration for this carving came from the fine taxidermy in the Banff Park Museum.
Commercial Turkey
This carving Turkey carving was commissioned by a turkey farmer. It was unveiled at a turkey growers meeting with much fanfare.
The farmer had loaned us a turkey as a model. The kids called him Henry and he lived in the corner of my work shop. I had a difficult time taking measurements
because Henry kept pecking at my shiny calipers. I also had a difficult time getting the smell out of my workshop!