I took a mail order course back in the late 60's and the first thing they had me do was small birds. My first mount was a little blackbird. Had to make the body out of tow wrapped with string. I just kept telling myself.."if other people can do this so can I" and that 's what kept me going. The blackbird looked good to. Northwestern School of Taxidermy was the name of the place. Cost $13.00 for the course. They would send little paperback booklets on small birds, big birds, small animals, deer heads..etc.