RE-CREATIONS

Re-Creating a Flying Bald Eagle
by James Day

IN THIS ARTICLE I will discuss my techniques used to re-create a lifesize flying bald eagle. Materials you will need are cast or sculpted head and feet, 18-mm bald eagle eyes, a bald eagle form, grey torluce goose wings and body feathers, white turkey secondary feathers, and white Cornish chicken (hen) feathers. Also steps that require basic taxidermy skills, such as skinning and setting wings, setting eyes and basic anatomy will not be detailed.

Three years ago I wrote an article explaining how to re-create a bald eagle bust. This same procedures for re-creating the head and necks areas will be used on this flying eagle, but of course, anatomical adjustments will be needed. I will first review the instructions from my first article.

My techniques are a mix of conventional taxidermy and, only when absolutely necessary, unconventional methods. I learned early on that you can't improve on what nature has created, so whenever possible, I use skins, entire wing structures and other parts to re-create my eagles, snowy owls and falcons. I glue feathers only when there are no other alternatives. This is why my re-creations have a soft, natural look. If you like bird taxidermy, I think you will...

...Continued in the Spring 2003 Issue of Breakthrough.

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