[JimCee]

I am trying to find out how to get a study skin from some museum or anyplace. I am going to do a Kingfisher diving into the water with open wings and I don't want to invest ~~~ that time and not get it right. There is a quantom leap in working from a study skin or from drawings or photos. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know

[AlArchie]

Where are you at, Jim?

Al

[LCorbett]

Jim...if you live within driving distance from a university, you can call their biology department and ask if it's possible to view a study skin or mount. Most ornithology profs are willing to let you use the collection the students use. If you explain what you are doing and bring photos of past work, sometimes the prof will let you see the "good stuff" (things that students don't have access to, so it's in better condition). Another place is a natural history museum...same thing...call and ask, and explain what you are doing.
If you have a contact in your local Fish & Wildlife Service, sometimes they have specimens in their freezer, or specimens mounted for use in schools.

You will not be allowed to actually take any specimens home with you in most cases, as it is illegal to possess non-game speices. Sometimes there are exceptions...I made a contact with my local F&W service and actually got to possess 2 trumpeter swan carcasses for photographing and measuring. He had to write me a letter stating that I was in legal possession and stipulated the time frame that I could have them, and who I was to contact to retrieve them when I was finished. That was a stroke of good luck...so, it's rare, but it DOES happen.

Most people are willing to grant access to the collections. Bring a camera, calipers, a ruler, sketchbook and notepad. Cottom gloves doesn't hurt, as well as a small tool to gently shift feathers (they don't like it when you tug and pull wings and tail feathers to get a better look...grin).

Good luck in your search!

[JimCee]

Thanks L Corbett and Al Arachie.
I am in Asheville NC. There is a UNCA campus in Asheville and 3 other Universaries within 60 milesd. I sh~~~ contact the nearest one and work back from there

L CORBETT,I understand that you have a beautiful book out. A friend on mine has it and maybe I will get it too.0
Thanks to both of you. Jim Cee0

[AlArchie]

Jim, I didn't do you much good. I wanted to know where you were located so I could make a few suggestions about who/where to contact, but it seems Lori has pretty well covered the ground. You might also contact the US forest Service office near you. Most of these have contacts with local bird organizations or wildlife rescue missions. Either one might work for you. A rescue mission may even have a live bird for close up study. Just have to do a thoughtful approach!

Al

[JimCee]

Thanks Al,
Will let both of y0u know how I make out. I appreciate your help.

Jim

[cllvt]

Hi JimCee,

Our local Audubon center actually had quite a collection for a while (people would bring in birds they found dead, or died hitting windows, etc.). The collection was moved to a carving museaum a few years ago, but ar any rate - if you are still in need - you might want to check with Audubon in your area.

Chris

JimCee,

Not sure if this helps you or not, but the current two issues of "Wildfowl Carving Magazine" has the main article of interest about carving and painting a Kingfisher.

Sorry Bob D. about listing a competitors magazine on this board, but it really relates directly to his question and its the current issue(s).