If you've ever seen a pair of mounted wigeon ducks hanging in a den or a lakeside cabin, you know exactly how they can instantly change the vibe of a room. There is something about the "Baldpate"—the nickname hunters give them because of that white cap—that just looks classy. They aren't as flashy as a Wood Duck, sure, but they have this subtle, sophisticated color palette that really rewards you the closer you look at them.
I've spent a lot of time looking at waterfowl taxidermy, and I've noticed that wigeons are often the "underrated gems" of a collection. People go crazy for Mallards or Pintails, but a well-done wigeon mount has a personality all its own. If you're thinking about getting one done or you're looking to start a collection, there are a few things you should probably know to make sure you end up with something you actually want to look at for the next thirty years.
Why Wigeons Make Such Great Mounts
One of the coolest things about mounted wigeon ducks is the contrast. You've got that creamy white forehead, the iridescent green patch behind the eye, and those beautiful pinkish-brown feathers on the breast. When a taxidermist gets the lighting right on those feathers, the bird almost looks like it's glowing.
But it isn't just about the colors; it's about the shape. Wigeons have a very specific "look" to them. They have shorter bills than a lot of other dabbling ducks, which gives them a bit of a "cute" or compact appearance. When they're mounted in a whistling position—since they're famous for that three-note whistle rather than a quack—it captures a moment of action that feels very alive.
Picking the Right Pose for Your Space
Before you just hand a bird over to a taxidermist, you really need to think about where it's going to live. A lot of people make the mistake of picking a "cool" pose without realizing it doesn't fit their wall.
The Classic Flying Mount
Most people go for a flying pose with mounted wigeon ducks. Why? Because you want to see the "speculum." That's the colorful patch on the wing. In wigeons, the white shoulder patch is a huge giveaway and a point of pride for a hunter. If you have the bird mounted in a "banking" position—where it's turning mid-air—you get to see all that wing detail. It's dramatic, and it fills up a large wall space perfectly.
Standing or Sitting Poses
If you're putting your duck on a bookshelf or a mantle, a standing mount is the way to go. I actually think wigeons look incredible when they're just "loafing." A relaxed pose where the duck is tucked into its feathers can look very high-end and artistic. It feels less like a trophy and more like a piece of natural history. Plus, it's a lot easier to dust a sitting bird than one with its wings spread six feet in the air.
The "Dead Mount" Style
This one is a bit more "old school." A dead mount is designed to look like the birds are hanging from a strap or a nail, just like they would at the end of a hunt. It's a very traditional look. If you have a pair of mounted wigeon ducks—maybe a drake and a hen—hanging them together in a dead mount style can look really rustic and authentic. It tells a story of a specific day out on the water.
Finding the Right Artist
I cannot stress this enough: don't cheap out on your taxidermy. I've seen some "budget" mounted wigeon ducks that look like they've seen a ghost. The eyes are bulging, the feathers are ruffled, and the bill color looks like it was painted with a neon highlighter.
A good taxidermist understands bird anatomy. They know how the neck should curve and how the feathers should lay. Wigeons have very thin skin, especially around the head, so it takes a delicate hand to get it right. When you're shopping around, ask to see photos of their previous waterfowl work. Specifically, look at the eyes and the feet. If the feet look like shriveled raisins, keep looking. A pro will use high-quality artificial feet or "rehydrate" and paint the originals so they look supple and real.
Where to Hang Your Birds
Once you get your mounted wigeon ducks back from the shop, the temptation is to just hammer a nail in the first open spot you see. But wait a second. There are two big enemies of taxidermy: sunlight and humidity.
If you hang your mount directly across from a window that gets afternoon sun, those beautiful colors will fade faster than you think. That green eye patch will turn a dull gray in a few years if you aren't careful. Try to pick a spot with indirect light. If you want to highlight the bird, use a small LED spotlight. LEDs are great because they don't put off much heat, and heat is what causes the skin to crack over time.
Also, avoid the bathroom or the kitchen. The steam from the shower or the grease from cooking is a nightmare for feathers. Feathers are basically magnets for airborne particles, and once they get greasy, they're almost impossible to clean without ruining the "fluff" of the bird.
Keeping Your Mounts Looking Fresh
You don't need to do much, but a little maintenance goes a long way. Every few months, take a soft paintbrush or a specialized feather duster and just very gently go over the bird in the direction of the feathers. Don't ever go against the grain, or you'll break the tiny barbs that hold the feathers together.
If the bird starts looking a little dull, some people use a tiny bit of glass cleaner on a Q-tip just for the eyes to make them pop again. Just don't get any chemicals on the feathers themselves. If you live in a place with a lot of bugs, keep an eye out for "museum pests"—tiny beetles that love to eat the protein in the skin. If you see little piles of "dust" under your mount, you might have a problem.
The Connection to the Outdoors
At the end of the day, having mounted wigeon ducks in your home is about more than just decor. For many of us, it's a way to bring the peace of the marsh indoors. You look at that bird and you remember the sound of the wind through the reeds, the cold coffee in your thermos, and the way the sun broke over the horizon.
Wigeons are "talkative" birds. They have a social energy about them that I think comes through even in a mount. They remind us of the migration, the change of seasons, and the incredible beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a lifelong hunter or just someone who appreciates the aesthetics of waterfowl, a wigeon is a choice you won't regret. It's a classic look that never really goes out of style.
So, if you're on the fence about which duck to put on your wall next, give the wigeon a chance. It might not be the biggest bird in the sky, but it's definitely one of the most handsome. Just make sure you treat it right, give it a good spot to "fly," and it'll be a conversation starter for years to come.