If you asked his mother she'd tell you that Patrick Rummans was born with a feather in his mouth - a love for birds that swiftly grew into a passion. "If he wasn't up to his neck in mud following in the footsteps of ducks and geese, he was taping cardboard to his arms and leaping off buildings believing - if he only flapped hard enough - he'd actually fly!"

Thirty four years later and not much has changed! If anything, Patrick's love of all things feathered has only grown. Coming from a long line of talented artists, he was actively encouraged at any early age to draw and paint - a task he approached with endless enthusiasm. Equal enthusiasm was directed toward raising, studying and caring for his large collection of live birds. It wasn't long before his passion for birds and his love of art drew together to become what he now calls his "raison d'tre" - reason for being. After mounting his first bird at the age of fourteen, Patrick was hooked for life. From then on he spent the greater portion of his time learning and striving to perfect his taxidermy skills. Today, Patrick is rated among the top 5% of bird taxidermists in the world. Since entering his first competition in 1986, he has accumulated a long line of Best-of-Shows, Special Awards, a room full of blue ribbons, plaques, certificates and the title of Master Bird Taxidermist. He received the coveted National Taxidermists Association Award of Excellence in 1991 and was named the 1999 North American Champion of Birds, at the 1999 National Taxidermy Competition. Patrick also spends a lot of his time training students, judging taxidermy competitions, giving seminars across the United States and Canada, and of course, mounting birds for an impressive clientele. Thoughts for the future? Patrick plans to begin a series of wildlife bronzes… Soon!