[Rob Wilson]

I have real trouble trying to design my own patterns, or alter existing patterns - especially for birds. Does anyone know of a book that might help me. I finished a rough grouse - 2/3 size - folded wings and ruff, and I'd like to do one with dropped wings and a spread ruff. I sure could use some help.

[mark yundt]

I'm not sure of any books that will help you design your own patterns,,I'm sure someone out there might have a reference. Most books obviously have patterns in them of an existing piece. You can ( as I have) used these as a reference to making my own patterns. The problem lies in having the imagination to see YOUR ideas using the book as a starting point. The basic shape of a bird doesn't change very much and if you want to alter the position of the wings for example you have to work within certain limits to keep it looking real. Some basic knowledge of the structure of the wing ,,as well as where it originates will help solve some problems. Also if you can find a photo of what it is you are trying to capture helps alot.
What you basically have to do is keep all these parameters in mind,,and then superimpose them on the pattern you might find in the book. You have to say to yourself,,here is where the wing starts,,how it can fold and extend,,and then try to imagine it in 3D and the space it will take up.
If you are trying to do a bird in a pose not found in a book,,even close to what you are going for,,then the problem increases. You have to use the books references as to size ,shape,and profile,,but then adjust it to what you need to see which quite possibly will not come close to matching what is in the book. Now you are almost on your own. You have to then visualize the form from both top and side views and how everything now fits together and what changed once you moved the position of the bird.
Don't know if it's an option,,but one worth considering when venturing into new territory is to do a basic rough "sketch" in clay. now you can have a better idea of how the pieces fit together,,it's easy now to get the rough dimensions and see it better from all views. Also makes the roughing in part that much easier. You already know what works and where you need the wood.
I did this recently in a post with an Eagle I did. Once I had the clay,,transfering it to wood was as simple as having a paper pattern.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You need to go to Lori Corbetts site and in addition, buy her book....outstanding!

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Peterson's Field Guide

[AlArchie]

Some of the best carvings of ruffed grouse I have ever seen were done by a local man, Joe Calaboro. Because grouse are game birds, Joe used actual birds he had shot for reference. By doing things this way, the structure of the body and the wing attachment areas can be checked and accurately depicted. Feather placement and coloration were also readily available for reference.

Sooooo.....if you are amenable to hunting, this may provide a good option. Or if not, maybe it's time to break out the camera and go "hunting" with it. Either way, a great way to spend some time in the woods.

Al

[Rob Wilson]

Thanks for all of your help - much appreciated.

[mark yundt]

Visiting taxidermy shops have also helped me out at times. Some were generous and lent me a variety of birds to use as reference. This was useful not only for size and placement,,but more importantly as a color reference. Photo's will get you close,,but nothing matches the real deal

[BobD]

Just to add to what Mark Y. said...taxadermists have a set of generic forms that they use to stuff different birds with...so don't use the stuffed birds as a size and shape reference! Lori suggests contacting a local university with an ornithology department...they usually have study skins of birds that are much more useful to take measurements from!

Another vote for Lori's book! It's an encyclopedia of information!!!!

Bob

[mark yundt]

You're absolutely right Bob.These are merely reference for length of major feathers , their placement and shape. I essentially used them as a study skin as shops are more readily available than a major university with an ornithology dept. though that is a source that has been used for quite some time by many who are so lucky. Of course,,depending how far you wish to take it,,having the actual live bird is the best.
Even the study bills that are cast from freshly killed ducks aren't as accurate as you might think.But as it is with anything ,,how far do you want to go? A good solid representation that depicts what you want to carve ,,or down to the wire accuracy? I tend to think 99% of the population wouldn't know or even care too much if a particular feather was an 1/8 inch too long.

[Rob Wilson]

Whch book of Lori C's are you referring to?