Mounting the Elegant Common Merganser Duck - A Rewarding Taxidermy Project

An Introduction to Mounting the Common Merganser

The common merganser (Mergus merganser) is a large diving duck that breeds across northern North America and winters farther south. Mergansers belong to the family Anatidae along with other waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans. The genus name Mergus is derived from the Latin word meaning "diver," referring to this bird's fishing habits. With their slender serrated bills, mergansers are well adapted to catching small fish and aquatic insects. The common merganser is sometimes known by other names like American merganser, goosander, fish duck, sawbill, and shelduck.

Common mergansers inhabit ponds, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across much of their range. During the breeding season, they are most often found along fast-moving streams and rivers surrounded by forests. They nest in tree cavities like natural hollows or old woodpecker holes. Females lay between 5-15 creamy white eggs that hatch in about 30 days. Common merganser ducklings leave the nest within a day of hatching and follow their mother to water. She leads them to the safety of vegetated shorelines and protects them fiercely. The young fledge at around 70 days old.

Why Mount a Common Merganser?

For wildlife artists and waterfowl enthusiasts, mounting a common merganser can make a rewarding project. Their elegant profiles, iridescent green heads, and orange feet make them beautiful birds to display. A mounted merganser can highlight the unique adaptations that make these diving ducks such effective hunters. Their slender streamlined bodies, legs set far back for diving, and saw-edged bill for grasping slippery prey are interesting features to reproduce in a mount.

Since common mergansers are less frequently hunted than ducks like mallards, getting one to mount may take some effort. Finding a suitable specimen may mean contacting local taxidermists or waterfowl hunting guides. Odds of success increases during hunting seasons in areas where mergansers are common. A special permit may be required from state wildlife agencies to salvage a dead merganser found on public land outside of hunting season.

Field Care for Common Mergansers

Proper field care of a harvested common merganser will help preserve key features for a quality mount. Small ice chests or coolers that limit movement work well for transporting waterfowl from the field. It is important to avoid sagging wings or tail feathers and damage to the bill and feet. The bird should be kept cold but not frozen. Taxidermists recommend laying the merganser breast down in a natural position with its wings folded against its sides. Packing the body cavity lightly with plastic grocery bags or rags will help retain its shape.

While retrievers may proudly present a mouthful of feathers, avoid handling the bird in a way that damages its plumage. Use game bags or wraps that limit abrasion of the feathers. Take notes and photographs to accurately record key colors and patterns while still fresh. This will help the taxidermist match subtle details like the iridescent green head sheen.

Preserving Feather Color

One challenge when mounting common mergansers is preserving the stunning color patterns. The males have dark green iridescent heads, white necks with jagged black lines, slate gray backs, and rich reddish-brown breasts. Females are more modestly patterned with grayish bodies and reddish-brown heads. To retain the colors of the feathers, moisture and oils must be removed from the skin.

A taxidermist uses products like cornmeal or sawdust to absorb moisture and maintain feather colors. With skill and artistry, they can recreate the bird's sleek profile, coloring, and posture. The yellow-orange bill with black nail, long slender neck, and orange feet with lobed toes are important details to include. Glass eyes in the appropriate size and color are set in clay eyepatches matching the skin and bill color.

Mounting Positions

Since common mergansers are diving ducks, getting their posture right is critical for a realistic mount. Head position, body angle, and foot placement should reflect their aquatic nature. Dramatic diving or taking flight poses are popular choices. Landing approaches, swimming, or floating restfully are other good options that showcase their adaptations.

Full-bodied common merganser mounts are set on bases or platforms designed to mimic the habitat. Aystone or other natural rocks molded to match the streambanks where they dive and nest make excellent bases. Driftwood, reeds, cattails, or overhanging foliage can frame the scene. Information like location, date, and sex can be engraved on a plaque for additional context.

Alternatives to Full Mounts

While full standing mounts best capture a bird's form, there are other mounting options for common mergansers. Shoulder mounts focus attention on the head, bill, and neck feathers while taking up less space on the wall. Slightly angled heads give a lifelike appearance. Head mounts showcase just the vivid green and crest feathers. These can be very attractive when the bill color and fine details around the eyes are done well.

For hunting groups or fishing camps, a replica wooden decoy of a common merganser can make a more rugged decorative mount. Carvers create hollow decoy bodies based on the shape and colors of real birds, then paint and finish them. Decoys with simple anchor bases or those rigged with line and weights mimic floating birds.

Finding a Qualified Taxidermist

Locating an experienced taxidermist is key to getting a properly mounted common merganser. While some generalists will stuff any bird, it is best to choose someone who frequently works with waterfowl. Check budgets since quality mounts have both material and labor costs. Ask to see examples of their work and if they have mounted mergansers before.

A good taxidermist will educate on proper field care and freeze/store specimens until ready to begin work. They will reproduce fine details like feather patterning and subtle colors. Realistic eye setting and bill carving separate quality mounts. Choosing a mounting style well-suited to capture the bird's essence takes creativity. Patience is required since quality mounts may require six months to a year to complete after the initial skinning process.

Conclusion

For anyone lucky enough to harvest a common merganser, having it professionally mounted creates a lasting memento. Though not the most commonly mounted duck, their elegant looks and adaptations make for excellent display pieces. With proper field care and an expert taxidermist, a mounted merganser can beautifully capture one of North America's most interesting waterfowl.

FAQs

What is the best way to transport a harvested common merganser?

Use a small cooler or ice chest to transport the bird from the field. Pack it breast down in a natural position with wings folded against the sides. Light packing in the body cavity will help retain its shape. Avoid damaging feathers, bill, or feet.

How long does a quality common merganser mount take to complete?

From the initial skinning process to a finished mount can take 6 months to a year or longer. Finding the right pose and recreating fine details takes time and skill. Quality taxidermy work requires patience for the best results.

What mounting options exist besides full standing mounts?

Shoulder mounts, head mounts, and wooden hunting decoys are alternatives to full standing mounts. These take up less space while still displaying the bird's elegance.

What permits do I need to salvage a common merganser I find?

Check with state wildlife agencies, as a special permit may be required to salvage a dead common merganser outside of hunting season, especially on public lands.

What should I look for in a taxidermist to mount a merganser?

Choose someone experienced specifically with mounting waterfowl like diving ducks. Ask to see examples of their work and if they've mounted mergansers before. Quality and attention to detail are key.