Whistling Wings Avian

Taxidermist in Sparks, Nevada

(775) 410-35744735 Chipwood Dr, Sparks, NV 89436View on Yelp
Whistling Wings Avian - taxidermy in Sparks, NV

About Whistling Wings Avian

Whistling Wings Avian is a specialty taxidermy studio in Sparks, Nevada with a name that says exactly what they focus on. Bird taxidermy is a niche within the broader field, requiring a completely different skill set than mammal work, and a studio dedicated to it is a real find for waterfowl and upland hunters in the region. Sparks sits at the edge of the Great Basin flyway, where ducks, geese, swans, and shorebirds pass through in significant numbers each migration season. Upland hunters pursuing pheasant, chukar, and sage grouse also have access to exceptional habitat within a short drive.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Whistling Wings Avian focuses on the detailed work of preserving birds for display. Full body bird mounts involve cleaning and preserving the feathered skin, positioning the bird in a natural pose, and mounting it on driftwood, branches, or habitat-style bases that reflect the bird's natural environment. Waterfowl mounts like mallards, teal, and Canada geese are staples, often posed in landing or resting positions. Upland bird work covering pheasant, chukar, and quail is equally common in this part of Nevada, and raptors such as hawks and owls can sometimes be mounted for educational institutions through proper permits.

Service Area

Whistling Wings Avian serves the Sparks and Reno metro area and draws bird hunters from across northern Nevada, including those hunting the marshes around Fallon, the agricultural fields of the Carson Valley, and the sage-covered hills of Lander and Elko counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I properly care for a bird in the field if I want it mounted?
Don't gut the bird, and handle it as gently as possible to avoid ruffling or matting the feathers. Slide it carefully into a nylon stocking or paper bag to protect the feathers, then place it in a plastic bag and freeze it as soon as you're back at camp or your vehicle.
What species of waterfowl are most commonly mounted in northern Nevada?
Mallards, pintails, green-winged teal, Canada geese, and snow geese are among the most frequent requests from hunters in the Great Basin region. Canvasbacks and redheads are also prized mounts given their striking coloration and relative rarity.
Can raptors like hawks or eagles be legally mounted?
Raptors are protected under federal law, and private citizens cannot legally possess them for personal mounts. Licensed educational institutions, museums, and wildlife organizations can sometimes obtain permits for display or educational purposes, which a qualified studio can assist with.
What pose options are available for a duck or goose mount?
Common poses include landing with wings spread, swimming, feeding, or standing at rest on a log or branch. Your taxidermist can show you reference photos to help you select a pose that fits the space where you plan to display the mount.
How long does a typical bird mount take to complete?
Bird mounts generally take three to six months, though this varies based on the species, complexity, and the studio's current workload. Waterfowl with intricate feather patterns or mounts requiring elaborate habitat bases may take longer.
Can I get a group or scene mount featuring multiple birds?
Yes, multi-bird displays or habitat scenes are a specialty in quality avian studios, showing two or more birds interacting in a naturalistic setting. These take considerably longer and cost more than single mounts, but the finished display is genuinely striking.

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