Advanced Bird Lessons with Allis Markham

Allis will provide each student with a pre-prepared skin of their chosen specimen from our available inventory. These are very exciting birds from Allis' personal collection - all salvaged from deaths at aviaries, zoos, pet stores, etc. Students will receive photos of the specimen ahead of time and have a Zoom call with Allis to discuss goals, pose, and base ideas. The sky is the limit!

Curriculum (varies based on your bird & goals):

Day 1: Body carving, skull removal and facial-sculpting, eye placement, and base/habitat beginning creation. This day will also focus on reading reference, anatomy, and habitat creation, such as dyeing dried habitat and waxed botanical creation. 

Day 2: Wiring for pose, mounting, sculpted skull attachment, posing, temp-base creation and grooming with the use of more advanced materials such as silicone caulk, special clays etc. Mounting on a more advanced base or posing in-flight.

Day 3: Continued posing & grooming with caulk, habitat & base work (can include resin water features and other advanced materials), feet injection, tying / taping, and custom finishing work kit. (Even if students do not use habitat, a demo will be included.)  

Prey Taxidermy will provide all supplies, tools & specimens for your classes. Advanced base options and habitat material will be provided. Students may also consult with Allis on the Zoom call about the best options should they want to provide their own base or other materials. 

Students may purchase in full or leave a 50% deposit on this class. Simply enter the code '50BIRD' at checkout. We will contact you to pay your balance on or before January 27th, 2026 via check, Zelle, or credit card.