Natures bounty.
As a fly tyer I'm always on the look out for feather. On my walks I pick up any interesting feathers I see, especially next to farm ponds where ducks and other water birds gather. Several days ago I came across a whole pile of guinea fowl feathers, where some animal had made a kill. It must have happened the night before as the feathers were in perfect condition, bright and shiny.
Amazing that this black and white pattern camouflages the bird so well. The imagination runs wild thinking of the flies that can be tied with this lot, soft hackles and streamers.
Detail of a single feather. The fluffy filoplume at the bottom part of the quill is great for tying nymphs with lots of "life". Dubbed onto a hook using the split thread method some great effects can be achieved.
2 comments:
Happy tying of flies, Phil. In that last photo, the feather looks alive. Blessings, Jo
An interesting fact here in the US is that it's illegal to pick up and keep bird feathers although I don't know a fly fisherman or anyone who hasn't grabbed a feather or two in their time.
It is technically federal violation under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
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