Ward Museum Salisbury #76

Are you kidding me? How? It appears the entire bird is indeed supported and balanced by the snake which is connected to the base. All of these displays are wisely contained behind acrylic cases but I saw no other means of suspension or support.

Ward Museum Salisbury #75

This is a type of "tropic bird" and I am not familiar with this species at all but I guess I should put it on my life list. . .If the carving does it any justice, I want to see the real deal.

Ward Museum Salisbury #71

Little scaups. A drake and a hen.

Ward Museum Salisbury #65

Owl with Vole. . .How someone can take a hunk of wood and create this is astounding.

Ward Museum Salisbury #64

"Decoy" carving has expanded and evolved. At first decoys were strictly utilitarian. They were used in the field and served only as a lure for birds. However, well executed ones became prized and sought after by wealthy collectors. Then came competitions. Festivals where carvers and artists could show off their skills. Carving and painting expanded into "conceptual" pieces as well. This is an example of a conceptual carving. It depicts an arctic tern being pursued by a raptor of some sort.

Ward Museum Salisbury #55

Black crowned herons. (I'm pretty sure. I didn't verify this with a field guide.)

Ward Museum Salibury #58

Mallard Drake in flight.

Ward Museum Salisbury #36

Do you recall Canton and Sailor? They are the cast iron Newfies that sit outside the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore. We rounded a corner in the museum and happened upon this cast iron Chessie. I suspected it was also produced by Bartlett, Hayward and Co. in Baltimore. They display indicated it can't be 100% confirmed but it's highly likely Bartlett produced this piece as well.

Ward Museum Salisbury #28

Ward Museum Salisbury #23

Keep in mind, what you're seeing is carved, painted wood. All of the details are made with various wood carving techniques and implements.

Ward Museum Salisbury #20

I can yap on and on and on about how amazing these sculptures are but hopefully the pics will convince you. What started out as a necessity - Using rough likenesses of birds to lure in other waterfowl while hunting - evolved into an art. If you're ever in Salisbury, put it on your list to visit. Admission is $7 for adults. The displays are breathtaking.