Keith Mueller - Preening Dovekie Personal Study...

Updated September 3, 2026

Rig. Keith Mueller (b. 1956) Killingworth, CT 8.25" long In the carvers own notes on making dovekie and other Auk decoy species for wintering ground studies, "Since Dovekie and other Auk species winter far offshore from land, the decoys are deployed off the sterns of large boats. The decoys attract the birds closer to the boats for closer studies, data gathering and observations. The decoys also are used to bring the birds closer for photography purposes." The decoy was most recently used in the waters off the New England coast during winter Pelagic trips. Paying homage to a major influence in Mueller's carving career, the little bird is carved in an Elmer Crowell inspired preening posture. The bird has well sculpted relief carved wings that flow back to primary raised wing tips that join to a raised 'V' before the tail feathers. Glass eyes and carved bill details. The bird retains its original rigging line and is branded and signed under the base by the maker. Mueller is a self-taught carver and painter who began carving professionally in the mid-1970s. Originally trained as an engineer and draftsman, Mueller developed his carving through extensive study of birds and their environments, including field research and photography on scientific expeditions. He has been named World Champion seven times, won more than 250 Best in Show awards, and has been honored as a Living Legend by the Ward Foundation. Mueller is particularly recognized for his decorative bird carvings, often incorporating elaborate feather carving, habitat, and sculptural presentation. His decorative work has included life-size and miniature birds as well as elaborate multi-bird compositions, with examples exhibited at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, and the Governors Mansions of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Condition: Excellent and original with minor wear from useProvenance: Keith Mueller Collection

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