Wildfowl Carving and Collecting Reference Guide: Songbirds -- Eight Popular Species with Patterns, Measurements, and Natural History Notes

Taken from the Forward to this book, by Cathy Hart, Editor-in-Chief of Wildfowl Carving and Collecting Magazine: "We need more reference material." I can't tell you how many times I've heard this lament from carvers across the country. This publication (and the future editions now in planning) is our response to this oft-expressed need. Future Reference Guides will include shorebirds, fish and small mammals. I think you'll agree that this first volume of Reference Guide is true to its name; it contains a variety of information, from well-researched measurements to photos and patterns, and even includes a bibliography to help you find additional sources. Author Sheryl De Vore researched the measurements using the Chicago Field Museum's extensive study-skin collection; she was assisted by head curator of the bird division, Mr. David Willard. Sheryl also consulted with world-class songbird carvers Ernie Muehlmatt and Bob Guge -- a special thanks to all three gentlemen for their help with this project. And to Sheryl for the special attention she gave this project. Pamyla and Jim Krausman, otherwise known as Images of Nature, provided all the photographs used in this edition of Reference Guide. Many thanks to them for their diligence in tracking down each species and for their enthusiasm and support for this assignment. C.E. "Clarence" Blanchard drew all eight patterns as well as the illustrations that accompany his instructions for using the patterns. A special thank you to Clarence for his respect for deadlines and pride of workmanship.