Great video Tom. AS a bander, I handle hundreds of birds although not water fowl. I am however a keen birder and so study them in the field. There is no substitute for hands on examination. To this end approach local museums and ask to look at any skins they might have. Photograph and sketch the feather tracts. Alternatively bird guides have feather tract layouts at the beginning of the guide. Study these, and get to know the larger tracts of feathers. It should be noted that birds are not completely covered in feathers, but have distinct tracts, and in breeding condition lose breast feathers. The carving patterns I have do include feather tract layouts, plus bolder markings. Worth investigating in these for guidance at least. Lastly, there is an abundance of resources on the internet to mine.
Awesome stuff as always! I’ve been carving fairly simple gunning decoys for a little over a year, and they started ROUGH, there’s a lot of great content out there that I’ve used to improve. But I just wanted to say thank you for putting out these videos (as well as your book). They’ve been a huge help and I feel like Im always learning something new.
Thanks for a great video, it’s always nice to see other people’s approaches to the same goal, as well as going over things that you just don’t think about as much!. Keep them coming Mr C.
That was a very helpful video. I have three Buffleheads going now, and I am using your video which I could NOT do a paint job without your video. The backs are TOUGH to do. Erase, paint over, do it again. So hard. Now I know better how to do it! Thank you, Bruce Brandeberry
I know that I have a lot of catching up on your videos and I intend to as I carve but I have been a bit busy this offseason. This video and its content was/is something I struggle a lot and from what I can see, I have been doing pretty much everything that you say try not to do that! Hopefully I will improve. Thank you TC. 🙏😊👋🏻🦆
@@tomchristieart all thanks to you they started looking like birds a bit. Ducks will tell hopefully this season. Still it means a lot coming from you. 🙏👋🏻🦆
I just watched your video on feather layout. Thanks for such a quick response. It’s amazing to me how you can get a great looking pattern doing it freehand with no guidelines. I guess practice makes perfect. Thanks again for the video. Jack Crane
Great video Tom. AS a bander, I handle hundreds of birds although not water fowl. I am however a keen birder and so study them in the field. There is no substitute for hands on examination. To this end approach local museums and ask to look at any skins they might have. Photograph and sketch the feather tracts. Alternatively bird guides have feather tract layouts at the beginning of the guide. Study these, and get to know the larger tracts of feathers. It should be noted that birds are not completely covered in feathers, but have distinct tracts, and in breeding condition lose breast feathers. The carving patterns I have do include feather tract layouts, plus bolder markings. Worth investigating in these for guidance at least. Lastly, there is an abundance of resources on the internet to mine.
Great points Stephen! I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise. 👍
Awesome stuff as always! I’ve been carving fairly simple gunning decoys for a little over a year, and they started ROUGH, there’s a lot of great content out there that I’ve used to improve. But I just wanted to say thank you for putting out these videos (as well as your book). They’ve been a huge help and I feel like Im always learning something new.
That is awesome! Thanks for that feedback Nick and glad you able able to use some of this.
Having the mounted bird sure does make a difference in understanding. Thanks Tom
I agree! Thanks Mark. 👍🏼
Thanks for a great video, it’s always nice to see other people’s approaches to the same goal, as well as going over things that you just don’t think about as much!. Keep them coming Mr C.
Glad it was helpful!
That was a very helpful video. I have three Buffleheads going now, and I am using your video which I could NOT do a paint job without your video. The backs are TOUGH to do. Erase, paint over, do it again. So hard. Now I know better how to do it!
Thank you,
Bruce Brandeberry
Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback Bruce!
That was very helpful Tom Thanks
Glad it helped. Thanks for your note Carlton.
I know that I have a lot of catching up on your videos and I intend to as I carve but I have been a bit busy this offseason. This video and its content was/is something I struggle a lot and from what I can see, I have been doing pretty much everything that you say try not to do that! Hopefully I will improve. Thank you TC. 🙏😊👋🏻🦆
Just one approach Baha. From what I’ve seen your decoys look very good!
@@tomchristieart all thanks to you they started looking like birds a bit. Ducks will tell hopefully this season. Still it means a lot coming from you. 🙏👋🏻🦆
Excellent video! Thanks you .
Thank you too!
I just watched your video on feather layout. Thanks for such a quick response. It’s amazing to me how you can get a great looking pattern doing it freehand with no guidelines. I guess practice makes perfect. Thanks again for the video. Jack Crane
You are very welcome Jack!
Very helpful, thanks!
You're welcome! Thanks for checks no it out and glad this was helpful.