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PROJECT

Wren Modifications

Date April 17, 2025
Designer Caleb Mueller
Lab Applied Analysis Hub
Contact sparklab@unbc.ca

Objectives & Constraints

  • Objective: Model and edit a Fairy Wren 3D model for use in research (decoys for target banding of Pacific Wrens) and education projects.
  • Constraints: Key changes involved the leg length, tail position, beak shape, and scale to accurately represent a Pacific Wren. Models must be printable in white PETG for hand-painting.

Materials & Tools

  • Software: Blender, Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Materials: White PETG plastic, Fairy Wren STL model
  • Equipment: Bambu Lab X1C 3D printer, Voron Trident 3D printer

Phases of Development

01
I. Editing the STL Model
  • A STL model of a generic Wren was edited in Blender to shorten the legs, change the tail position, and modify the beak.
02
II. Printing Models
  • Models were printed in white PETG using tree supports.
03
III. Post-Processing
  • Tree supports were removed using needle-nose pliers.
  • Alexa Wiebe then painted her Pacific Wrens for realism.

Skills Developed

Mesh editing in Blender Rebuilding meshes in Fusion Manual tree supports

Support & Resources

  • Alexa Wiebe
  • Dr. Ken Otter
  • Nicola Kooper
  • Kimberley Wetten
  • Applied Analysis Hub
  • Spark Lab

Product Images

Painted Pacific Wren models
Painted Pacific Wren models by Alexa Wiebe
Close-up of painted wren models
Close-up of the painted Pacific Wren decoys
Wren model in Blender
The wren in Blender post-editing
Wren model printing on Bambu Lab printer
Wren model being printed on the Bambu Lab X1C

Client Feedback

The AAH helped me design and print Pacific Wren models for my master's project. The model proportions are accurate to a real Pacific wren and are meant to be used as decoys for target banding. The models will be set up in the field next to a speaker playing the Pacific wren song with a mist net in front of them. The decoy and the song will trigger territorial male Pacific wrens to fly at the decoy, making them fly into the net. Being able to capture and band these wrens and being able to identify individuals in the field will be vital to my research.

— Alexa Wiebe