We have always been interested in creating dioramas, with nest eggs and chicks and to also closely match the birds that associate together and also near as possible the habitat in which they would be likely to be found. The case that is outlined below demonstrates the stages involved the choice of landscape, colours, materials and of course the choice of mounts. The ducks and goose we have chosen are two Harlequin ducks and a male dark phase Brent Goose, all North American but also all infrequent visitors to the UK. The taxidermy has been undertaken by a world class taxidermist, with birds that have been legally obtained. To date some 100 plus hours have gone into the creation of the case. Three people have been involved also in the creation of the case and the anticpated total hours to creat may exceed 200. That said it matters not how long it will take to create this case as it shall never be for sale. Some interesting facts about the creation of this case. The styrafoam rockwork to 15-20 coats of paint to create both texture and depth. The resin required 6-10 applications for the same reason, allowing each application to dry prior to the next coat. Each stone is hand painted and then varnished to create a wet look. The birds, well taxidermists will know what they take to create, then of course there is the cabinet work and galzing. Clearly some people spend more time on cases and mounts than others.
This case is nealry completed, just some beak painting and waxing and eel grass in the groundwork and the case is ready to be fumigated and glazed. Just one comment if you are considering completing cases with a water efect as above, make sure that you understand how to use resins ( I do not for the record!!). For example, We used two types. One that takes FOREVER to set (48 hours)and the other that sets almost straight from the mixing tub (seconds). Imagine the fun!!!!!!!!!!, given that all the birds had to be in the scene to work the resin into the scheme. You might not be able to see it but resin covers the rocks in places, beneath the large rock on the right and completely over the plexiglass. Paint effects may be used in the future
To view this case plus others, please view the website.www.Taxidermy4cash.com
