I have a woodpecker. I have a branch. I want to fix a woodpecker to the branch.
My first thought was just a wooden dowel into the body of the woodpecker and into the branch to connect the two, but I think that might look a bit strange.
I then thought maybe some coat hanger wire to make a pair of legs with claws holding onto the branch, but I'm not sure if that will actually hold it firmly.
My third thought was to ask you lot for any advice or suggestions.
It appears from a quick Google search that a woodpecker's belly often sits against the branch/trunk it is clinging to.
So - you could dowel it in place right up against the branch - just need to take care to get the angle correct & then make some wire legs/feet just to give the impression it is hanging on, but they aren't actually doing any of the hanging.
Couple of stout steel rods epoxied into the bird and twig to hold it firm, finer wire at the feet to look like feet.
That's maybe how I'd approach it.
Pretty much as with Stumpy. Screw it onto the branch, then construct legs.
I wouldnt bother being too extreme, just drill through the branch into the body and use a standard screw. Maybe cover the screw hole with a bit of coloured epoxy.- there maybe glue in a dowel in the hole but dont flush cut it, leave it sticking out and paint to match the rest of the branch so it looks like a small twig.
If its really only a display thing, its not going to be handled, so a simple fixing should suffice
Just put the woodpecker on its back next to the branch and say it fell of its perch, shuffled of its mortal coil etc
Could you use a tight spring, turn it into an action model?
If I am fixing one of my bird carvings ‘in flight’ I use 1.5 mm diameter stainless rod. If making legs I use brass or bronze rod as it’s much easier to solder together than steel. I drill a hole in the base of the foot once made and use cyanoacrylate to hold a pin that goes into a hole in the wood.
that was my immediate thought - I think because when I was a child my grandmother had one of these and when ever I hear woodpecker its the first think I think of!Could you use a tight spring, turn it into an action model?
Woodpeckers cling to the bark, and brace themselves by using their tail, the ends of the feathers protrude, the ends are bare and sharp so they dig into the bark, keeping the bird steady while it hammers against the tree.
I used a short M6 bolt with the head cut off, two holes and some CA glue. I am now thinking I might put some black pinhead eyes on it as well as I have some left over from the hedgehog I made.
Googly eyes ftw