Customer Reviews

Great Gallery of Ducks and Other Waterfowl

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is an absolute must for the following: (1) duck decoy carvers; (2) wildlife artists; and (3) anyone else who enjoys ducks!

The book's early chapters explain the anatomy of ducks, zeroing in on distinguishing characteristics applicable to the various types, such as puddle ducks, diving ducks, etc. It then reviews in non-technical language and detailed drawings the feathering configurations of heads, bodies, side pockets, wings and tails, including discussions of items unique to some breeds.

Then comes the meat of the book, which is fascinating and accompanied by excellent photographs. Each breed has a chapter devoted to it, with delightful descriptions of the breed and its lifestyle, detailed descriptions of its anatomy and coloring, and a generous number of excellent photographs of males and females in a variety of poses. Included also are detailed close-ups which focus on details of feathering, colors, and any noteworthy features.

The author explains that the book resulted from his first attempt at a duck decoy, and his inability to find detailed photographs from which to work. This book not only fills that void for carvers and artists, but it does much more -- it gives the reader a profound sense of appreciation for one of nature's most interesting species.

This book is one to have! This book is what I call the greatest beginners book to waterfowl. It takes you step by step, thru different breeds (Canvasback & Green-winged teal), types (Dabblers & divers), and the anatomy of the birds. It is a great book for any waterfowl painter or Waterfowl carving beginning artist to invest in. It has helped me a lot and it has helped my other fellow artist out also. (Like 2000 Federal Duck Stamp artist Adam Grimm) Take my word: get this book. You'll thank me.

I have been hunting ducks all my life and have read quite a few books on waterfowl, but I have never come across any book with so many pictures on different kinds of ducks and geese. I believe this book is an excellent source for people who are beginners in waterfowl hunting since they can learn about what different kinds of ducks look like.

I've looked everywhere for a table top book with just information and color photos of ducks to help us identify the water fowl we see from our home on the Chesapeake Bay - This is it - Wonderful full size, full color photos that point out the differences in species both in flight characteristics and on the water feeding activities. Age and sex appearance differences are also illustrated as each species has its own chapter. Well organized layout that is ideal for our purpose - best of its kind that I've seen.

Whether you are new to duck hunting or you have hunted for years, you know that you need to identify what you are shooting before you shoot it. That can be quite challenging at times even for the most experienced hunters. This book is an outstanding resource for aiding you on identifying waterfowl. If it's not hunting season then leave the book on your coffee table. It is full of beautiful photographs and in our household has become quite a conversation piece.

I am a female who bought this book for a friend and actually read it myself. This is the perfect gift for any duck hunter or wildlife lover. My father tried to take it home before I had a chance to wrap it. I guess I need to buy another copy. Both guys absolutely loved the book and studied every page in detail.

My husband is a taxidermist and the book has given him alot of help with the color and poses that the ducks stand - received the book in quick and price was excellent!

Like my cousin who said he loves his Grandpa book, I too think it's a great book for those who are looking to know more about the anatomy of ducks. Along with Dick's other books and works, he always put so much effort into everything he did. I was there when many of the pictures for the book were taken. The pictures that look as if they were taken on a real pond were actually done at a pond on property Dick owned. He took a goose decoy, placed an electric motor, prop and controls inside, and a remote controlled camera pointing out from its side. Before his death, he told me he wanted to come up with a way to take pictures of ducks and geese from the air. He talked of developing a remote controlled goose with a camera that would fly. I believe he would have done! It is truely a pleasure to look at my copy of the book and remember his genius.

The Great Gallery of Ducks... is truly great, if you're looking for a pictorial reference book on waterfowl. The book is crammed with photographs, almost all of which are well-taken, many showing fine detail. A few are underexposed, but most are indeed of great use to birders, artists and others intent on seeing waterfowl up close and personal.

Well not that this review would be biased in any way because Richard LeMaster is my grandfather, but his books are simply amazing. If you love waterfowl or just interested in the incredible works of a one-of-a kind you must get this book. The photos are simply stunning.