Following in his father's footsteps, Will Kirkpatrick began his career
as a pharmacist. Today, he is one of the preeminent carvers of the
region whose work is featured in many museum shops and, for many
years, at The Decoy Shop in Concord. Now, For the Birds is proud to
feature Will's work, which is carved and painted by hand in his shop
in Hudson. Each piece is hewn from the best kiln-dried Eastern pine
using the same tools and techniques of skilled old-time decoys makers.
Therefore, no two pieces are exactly alike.
Chincoteague Merganser - This red-breasted merganser was
inspired by the rough carved decoys made by Doug Jester (1876-1961) of
Chincoteague, Virginia. 13" long.
Martha's 'Tuckett Tern - These birds fold their slim wings
outside of their side feathers. 9" long.
Songbirds - The carefully developed skills of decoy making
are easily adapted to the production of songbirds. Will Kirkpatrick's
songbirds are fine examples of this work.
Robin, 9";
Cardinal, 8";
Bluebird, 6 1/2";
Titmouse, 6 1/2";
Chickadee, 5 1/2";
Nuthatch, 4 1/2"
Also available, Downy Woodpecker, 8".
Harbor Gull - Gunners have never hunted gulls, but gull
decoys were often used as confidence birds in their set-ups. 12" long,
glass eyes.
Nesting Piping Plover - These frail sandpipers nest and rear their
young on lovely sandy beaches where they compete with sunbathers for
blanket space. Thanks to conservation efforts, they (the Plovers) are
on the increase.
Killdeer - Named for its shrill call, the Killdeer is a
well-known visitor to newly ploughed fields, mud flats, shore habitat
and golf courses. Fore! 8 1/2" long
Great Blue Heron - Hunters once used heron carvings as confidence decoys;
they now stand gracefully in living rooms and hallways. Will's blue heron sports paintbrush
fibers in the eye creat. 21" long, about 30" tall.
Country quail - Bob-white Quail are the most sought after of all North
American gamebirds. Their social life centers around the covey.
If they are separated, the familar whistle, "Bobwhite," call strays back to the covey.
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Birding & Gifts
Only 85 of North America's 650 breeding birds are cavity dwellers. The rest build their nests in trees, shrubs or in or on the ground. Cardinals, for instance, build their nests in dense thicket where they are unlikely to be seen or disturbed. As more space is lost to development, there is a real need to provide suitable housing for our cavity dwelling friends.
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Pitcher Perfect
Allison Palmer's ceramic creations are truly a national treasure. Each
piece is hand-made, signed and unique unto itself. In particular, her
bird designs are whimsical, fun and fanciful. Check out her funky
toothbrush holder.
Hen pitchers (7.5" X 5.5") |
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Know Your Birds
What was that birdcall, anyway? Now, quickly identify birdsongs with
the press of a button. This ingenious device (you'll wish you
invented) comes with two free digitized backyard bird cards. Build a
library of birdsongs by adding more SongCards to your collection.
The "Birdsong identiflier". A great gift for budding birders of
all ages. |
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Colorful Suncatchers
The process of making stained glass has not changed much over the
centuries. The Renaissance Glass Company uses old world methods and
materials, including the best glass chosen for its brilliance and
color. We have a large inventory of designs that range well beyond
birds. If you are looking for a Blue Jay, Goldfinch, Cardinal,
Flicker, black lab, dragonfly, airplane, Heron, Nuthatch or Canada
(don't call me Canadian) Goose, we've got 'em and many more.
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Bluebird Suncatcher |
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Chirp, chirp
It's springtime year 'round at For the Birds where the American
Woodland sound tracks bring the busy sounds of the forest into the
store. There are three tracks available on CD or tape. Succeeding
tapes capture the lively activity of the meadow, forest edge and
woodland environments.
American Woodland I, a snippet of which you are currently
experiencing on this web site. |
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High Fliers
Peggy Roth's imaginative and colorful flying creations will dress up
any sunroom, breezeway, office or child's room. There are over 90
original mobiles meticulously detailed with woodburning, nontoxic
paint and stain, and delicately balanced to "fly". Many bird species
and other designs, including flying lobster and flying toaster!
Pictured: Flying moose, wingspan, 20"; pig, wingspan, 23";
Bald Eagle, wingspan, 40". |
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Personal Treasures
These delicate treasures from Wild Things integrate enamel, silver and
glass in pins, earrings and pendants. The result is jewelry of beauty
and distinction that is both intricate and affordable. Many owls,
butterflies and dragonflies.
Owl, silver with garnet 2 1/2"; dragonfly, silver and enamel,
3". |
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High Notes
Kitty Holman has a wonderful style that combines whimsy with color.
Her imaginative designs evoke the simple pleasures and familiar scenes
of another time. Our favorite card depicts cows in a meadow. The title
is Pastureyes. Look for Kitty's popular gift tags at holiday time.
Pictured: Snack and Morning Glories. |
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