Birds of Prey

This wonderfully photographed book is an excellent reference for anyone interested in carving birds of prey. An extremely thorough series of photographs is included for each bird covered in the book. Additionally, patterns and other carving consideration are included for each specimen. The book concludes with a chapter on creating acrylic eyes for carvings, a chapter on carving and painting a kestrel, and a chapter exhibiting some of the authors carvings. Incidentally, the author's carvings are great.Scholtz's other book, Carving a Red Tailed Hawk, does not do this book justice. This book contains better photographs and better carving.I would highly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in carving birds of any type.

This is a gorgeous book packed with large color photos of many beautiful live birds. Its intended purpose is as a sourcebook for artists, but it will universally appeal to any bird lover.The introductory chapter illustrates common features of raptor anatomy. Detailed chapters follow on 17 major North American species with numerous color photos and line drawings with dimensions.A practical application is included with a step-by-step section on carving and painting a finely detailed kestrel in wood. There are even instructions for making remarkable lifelike eyes from acrylic plastic.The book concludes with a gallery of the author's own fabulous museum quality carvings. This is a great combination of nature photography and fine art.

Not only bird artists, but any bird lover would enjoy this book. The pictures are excellent, in focus and from all angles.This book is often in use at my lab table.

The book is a nice blend of reference photos & applicable techniques. Mr. Scholz is one of those rare "birds" who is confident enough in his work and in himself to be able to share his secrets freely. His work and his attitude is top notch. The hints and ideas he gives a useful to the beginner as well as the more advanced carver. The book is a joy to read or to use as a reference. The real kicker is the section in the back where some of his work is diplayed with a comment from Mr. Shcolz about each carving. His unpretentiousness combined with the quality of his work can certainly cause the aspiring carver to need a reality check! GREAT BOOK!

This is a great reference book for bird carvers, not only does it have incredible photographs but the text points out details that you might miss. The drawings are very helpful and the measurements of each species covered is very helpful. I recomend this book to anyone carving birds of prey.