No. 18 — Common Merganser Decoy (Mergus merganser)
Hand-carved folk decoy by Geoffrey “G.B.” Davis

Materials: White Cedar, Leather, Pewter, and Steel
Dimensions: 16" L × 6" W × 8" H
Finish: Traditional milk paint, waxed and buffed
Status: Available

Description
This merganser is carved in the traditional Maine folk decoy style. The body is hollowed from the bottom in the traditional manner and closed with a cedar bottom board fastened with square nails. The bird is balanced and weighted so that it can sit naturally in the water, though the painted finish itself is not waterproof. The crest is made of leather and the bird features traditional tack eyes. A penny has been sealed inside the hollow body—both to prove the construction and as a small bit of hidden character within the piece.

While canoeing and birding along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, I became fascinated with these birds. In summer in the Adirondacks, the males leave the females to raise their ducklings alone. More than once I spotted a female Common Merganser leading what seemed like an endless line of ducklings paddling obediently behind her.

Closer
This piece belongs to a growing collection of hand-carved animals inspired by natural history, folklore, and the long tradition of American folk carving.

Availability
Each piece is carved and painted by hand. If this particular sculpture has already found a home, I am always happy to carve another for you. Because every carving is handmade, each will have its own unique character.