07 June, 2025
I was once again privileged to be a judge in the annual wildfowl carving show; an eminently enjoyable assignment.
This year, there were less entries than in years past, and I did not do as thorough a job taking pictures, but I will offer you what I have; enough to let you see the wonder of this annual event.
I am always drawn to the category known as Contemporary Antiques, carvings faithful to the style of early decoys.
Ken Hussey is a force to be reckoned with in this genre, and he has "his corner" where a practical demonstration takes place.
Raptors are always popular subjects and the realism achieved is breathtaking.
Many friends visited and it was great to see some taking in the show for the first time.
Nas, Don, Heather
I am sure you will all agree that this Golden-winged Warbler is exquisitely done.
It was awarded second place in its class.
Here is Laurie Snelling, its talented creator.
Known around the English-speaking world as Black-necked Grebe, this species is referred to as Eared Grebe in North America.
It has always been a bit of a puzzle to me why we do this and reinforces the value of scientific names to dispel doubt about a species known by various common names.
A Western Tanager is well represented in this splendid and colourful carving.
A Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a favourite of many.
The decorative miniatures always hold great appeal for me; they would add class, grace and beauty to any home.
An Eastern Meadowlark is a colourful challenge for a skilled artist. This one looks like it might sing to you at any moment!
Kitchener has recently been certified as a Bird Friendly City and Jen and Fraser were there to staff a booth to publicize the fact and provide information.
It was a fine opportunity for woodcarvers to display their unique art and I was impressed, as I am every year, with the realism, creativity and deft portrayal of our avian friends.
Next year's show will take place from 5 - 7 June. Mark it on your calendars now!
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Amazing wood working! I have met a ceramic artist who made detailed clay figures of birds...the end result is very much the same!
ReplyDeleteI have seen birds by accomplished clay artists and they are indeed beautiful, realistic and skillfully painted.
DeleteThe carved birds are very nice, David. There must be many hours of work behind such a bird. It must have been amazing to be a judge in such a competition.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
...David, thanks for taking me to this fabulous show again this year!
ReplyDeleteYou don’t live far away, Tom. Come up and enjoy it in person next year.
DeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteStunning, people can make beautiful things.
It's beautiful.
Greetings from Patricia.
WOW! The people are really talented. So many great carvings. It must have been a great honour to be a judge :-D
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your reports on this event, David. There is so much to admire, not just from the birder's p.o.v. but also that of the artist! YAM xx
I couldn't agree more, YAM.
DeleteHi David, the carvings are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBardzo mi się podobają ptaki z wystawy. Nie wiem, który najbardziej. Kaczki i gęsi piękne. Ta sowa jest intrygująca. Podziwiam talent twórców. Trzeba umieć malować, rzeźbić i kochać ptaki.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s time for you to try, Ludmila!
DeleteThanks for showing us some of the entries. It looks like waterfowl are the most popular subjects.
ReplyDeleteThis whole art form traces its origins back to original working decoys.
DeleteIf I saw those in the wild, I might think they were real (albeit motionless) birds.
ReplyDeleteAmazing creations David which you documented beautifully. The creative talent is beyond impressive.
ReplyDeleteI remember ohhhing and ahhing when you went to last years show! a first for me, and this one is as amazing as the last one. some of these look like they could ruffle their feather and fly away.. amazing talents. I especially like the raptors in category 4, although raptors are not my favorite birds. the bright colored birds, all of them are so very realistic, I can hear them... thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI also remember the previous one. Very real achievements. If I didn't know they were made of wood, I would think they were live birds.
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ReplyDeleteSooo much talent, beauty and hard work. Thank you for taking us back again. I imagine that choosing 'winners' is no easy job.
ReplyDeleteSometimes (not always), there is a clear number one, but the choice between second and third can be very difficult, with only the slightest details separating one from another. There is without doubt a degree of subjectivity about it.
DeleteWhen we lived in VA, there would be an annual decoy carving festival, and I can imagine how difficult it must be to judge the best of such talented wood carvers.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course the world championships are held each year in Ocean City, MD.
DeleteHow do you ever pick any winners? These carvings are truly amazing. I'm glad you were judge again, and that we get to get some peeks of the beautiful art there. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and Happy Fathers day to you tomorrow David.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHello David, how r you, dear friend! what a lovely exhibition! more beautiful every year, with more beautifully executed figures. I loved the Contemporary Antiques section; it sounds poetic!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this little gem with those of us who couldn't be there. I've already marked the date for next year.
Hugs and kisses, happy Sunday!
Mejor dicho: gros bisous, bon dimanche !
Can't believe that they were all made with wood...amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is really great to see so much beautiful wood carving.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a beautiful Sunday David.
Greetings Irma
I do so admire those that can carve these birds out of wood, their artwork is amazing. Congratulations to all who took part.
ReplyDeleteHi David - the creativity that goes into these is quite extraordinary carvings always amazes - wishing I had some of their skills ... I can most certainly admire. I love the birds of prey ones - particularly the 2nd one ... but honestly all of them are so clever. Your judging must be so difficult - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteEach judging team comprises two carvers and an ornithologist, Hilary. I am always happy to have the guidance of the carvers!
DeleteI saw some amazing carving this weekend at the Farmer's Market in our town but nothing as beautiful as these birds.
ReplyDeleteI do love the Grosbeak carving and the miniatures, they would look amazing in anyone's home.
Kiitos, kun pääsin katsomaan upean näyttelyn upeita tuotoksia. Kyllä tuomareilla (tuomariryhmällä lintutieteilijä ja veistäjä) onkin ollut vaikea tehtävä laittaa lintuja paremmuusjärjestykseen!
ReplyDeleteHi David, beautiful collection. Thank you for sharing. Have a nice week ! Greets
ReplyDeleteGenuine artists ! All the carves birds are beautiful !
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing David !
À la prochaine !
Anna
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThey are amazing. Like real birds.
ReplyDeleteThese birds are pieces of art and put together several lovely things: observing nature, creating beauty, using a natural material... You are certainly a very competent judge, David.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have any of these in my home but perhaps, perhaps my favourite would be one of the owl miniatures.
Thank you for sharing. Best summer wishes from Finland.
Hello Dawid,
ReplyDeleteA wonderful event! As you know, I love walking in nature
and as a lover of art and nature, I am delighted with such a report from the exhibition of wild bird sculptures. The passion and talent of the artists can be seen in all the works. The world of birds is an incredibly rich world, which can be seen in the exhibits presented. Thanks for the opportunity to participate virtually!
Best wishes and have a great week.
I remember your posts about this in the past and how much I loved them. This looks like another stellar event. I so admire those who can carve from a block of wood, then paint so exquisitely. The feathers on that grebe look like they are downy soft.
ReplyDeleteSuch talented people! I especially like the realism in the small birds. The Grosbeak is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI would be so tempted to purchase any one of those.
ReplyDeleteI remember you talking about these carvings - what remarkable skills these people have. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M, Wilsons Prom National Park, Australia
Amazing! Any links to their “shops”? If they sell online.
ReplyDeleteLet me see what I can find out and I will post information here if it’s available.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteThe carvings are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
This work is stunning. I'm so glad I got to see it, so thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDear David,
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I had never heard of the Canadian National Wildfowl Carving Championship before – but I’m deeply impressed! 🪶
What an amazing celebration of craftsmanship and nature observation. These carved birds are absolutely stunning – so lifelike, so expressive! 🐦 I’d find it very hard to pick a favorite, but I feel especially drawn to the Eastern Meadowlark – not only because of its beautiful carving, but also because it brings back fond memories of our past Journey, when we heard this lovely bird singing and I even managed to capture a few nice photos.
Kudos to all the talented carvers – and to you for being part of the judging panel once again! 🦆
All the best from Austria,
TraudeDear David,
I must admit, I had never heard of the Canadian National Wildfowl Carving Championship before – but I’m deeply impressed! 🪶
What an amazing celebration of craftsmanship and nature observation. These carved birds are absolutely stunning – so lifelike, so expressive! 🐦🎨 I’d find it very hard to pick a favorite, but I feel especially drawn to the Eastern Meadowlark – not only because of its beautiful carving, but also because it brings back fond memories of our past Journey, when we heard this lovely bird singing and I even managed to capture a few nice photos.
Kudos to all the talented carvers – and to you for being part of the judging panel once again! 🦆
All the best from Austria,
Traude
Son todas tan bonitas que para mí sería muy difícil elegir. Espero ver quienes o cuales ganaron los primeros puestos. Un abrazo amigo David.
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