Carved from a palm frond for the body and tupelo for the head, this lifesize Common Loon was hand painted in acrylics. It was carved for the California Open in 2012, winning 2nd Best in Show. (Private Collection of Doug & Ellen Miller)

The three and half inch (3 1/2") Cocktail Common Loon replica was carved from tupelo, hand painted in acrylics and went on to win 1st Best of Show World Championship (Cocktail Class) and donated to the show for auction. (Private Collection of Pam Wilson)