Completed May 13, 2013 and then rebuilt – with a full beak transplant and some adjustments to get the proportions right – about a week later. (It got too depressing to think “That beak is way too big” every time the bird came into sight.) See the three “before” pictures ahead of the armature shots.

The Salamander managed to keep him for a dozen years, but now he’s on his way to a new home, courtesy of the 2025 Golden Gate Bird Alliance auction. Check with the Salamander to see what’s happening with that, or to discuss construction of a cousin for yourself.