Great Blue Heron

[icarve2003]

Hi everyone,

I know that there have been a few of you that have carved a Great Blue Heron in the past. I'm looking for a good pattern to carve one that is smaller than life size.

When we were up north this summer, my 7 yr. old son spotted one and yelled "Hey, there's a Great Blue Heron". I'm not very familiar with Herons so I said that I wasn't sure which kind it was but we took some photos of him so that we could check when we got home. He was on the lookut for them all week and when we got home we checked my bird books and sure enough it was a Great Blue Heron. So, that was all the inspiration I need. I'd like to carve one but I think life size would be a bit too big (we'd have nowhere to put it).

If anyone can recommend a good pattern or where to find one, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.
Chris.

[wade clark]

Chris,
I took a photo of one, enlarged it to lifesize on a printer (had to cut it in 1/4ths and enlarge again), then cut out the silhouette and traced around it onto wood. You could enlarge it to whatever size you want.
If your picture is the pose you want, you can carve it from the actual experience with your son!
There are also lots of books at the library, I'm sure, and books on carving water birds available on the internet and book stores.
Have fun!
Wade

[Whiskers]

icarve2003

I have a pattern that is about half life size that I got from Hi Ho.If you pm me your address I would be more than happy to send you a copy if you'd like.

[icarve2003]

Whiskers,

I received the pattern in the mail yesterday. Thank you so much for sending it and the extra info. you sent will be very helpful. The photo that lists the colours is great, is that from a carving book?

I will probably get started on it tonight, can't wait.

Thanks again, much appreciated, and like I said let me know if there are any patterns you are looking for. I have many songbirds and birds of prey.

Chris.

[Whiskers]

icarve2003,

Glad you received the pattern and I hope all the info will help. I think the color photo's are from a book but I don't know which one. I could ask Hi-Ho Sliver since he was kind enough to send me this pattern. I may take you up on your offer of a pattern for a hawk in flight if you have one (red tail). I've got so many projects in the fire right now, red tail hawk (perched) bullfrog, butterfly, great blue heron, water turtle, black crappie and a cardinal. and not nearly enough time to carve.

I kind of get bored sometimes working on one project and start another one. Guess I should finish one before I start another, Oh well, havin fun though.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I believe that book was "Wildfowl reference guide to waterbirds" enjoy!

[icarve2003]

Sorry Whiskers, I don't have a Redtail hawk in flight, only perched. I think the only birds I have in flight are Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. Maybe I'll make a list of what I do have and pm you.

[Ashbys]

I hated hiding the heron in the gallery, Nice work on him.

Ash

[Chris_M]

Well, just over 3 years later and I've got the Heron finished. My job kept me too busy to be carving for a couple of years, but I'm trying to make time now.

I entered the Heron in the local competition last weekend and took home a ribbon.

I'll post more photos as I take them

[Hugh-P]

Hey Chris, I like your heron, he has a nice style, good head, I know its good, cause I like it. !!!!!!!!!!!