Feather for my Cavanagh

[ShortAndCashed]

I have decided that I like the look of a feather after I tried a dove feather the other day, but that feather looks horrible, as it spent time in my field pants pockets. I'm looking for something grey or black, or a mixture of the two, between 3 and 4 inches, and something to look kind of subtle. Any suggestions? Seems like I may simply be harvesting some dove feathers, but I'd kinda like a bird of prey feather for it... I'm thinking hawk right now, even though they're red/brown...

 

[Sam Diamond]

Try looking at fishing shops that sell supplies for fly tying. They should have a range of feathers.

 

[ShortAndCashed]

Thanks, I ended up finding some on ebay during a joke search. lol 99 cents for a bunch of drake feathers.

 

[zetwal]

Thanks, I ended up finding some on ebay during a joke search. lol 99 cents for a bunch of drake feathers.

I was going to recommend eBay, but I couldn't tell if you were asking where to get feathers, or what type to get. One thing is certain, There are tons of feathers on eBay. I'm glad it worked out.

 

[ShortAndCashed]

Yeah, I was kinda goofing around, and found where some place had about 30 drake feathers, no bids, 99 cent starting bid, and free shipping... I'll have replacements. All within 3-5 inches, too.

 

[zetwal]

Yeah, I was kinda goofing around, and found where some place had about 30 drake feathers, no bids, 99 cent starting bid, and free shipping... I'll have replacements. All within 3-5 inches, too.

Great price ... Enjoy!

 

[Woodfluter]

Hi S&C -

Not sure that I'd regard 3-4 inches as "subtle", but that's alright.
I sometimes like a larger feather stuck into a hat when wearing it in the woods.
Only certain kinds of hats.

But the main thing I wanted to add was, possession of feathers belonging to migratory birds is illegal in the US and I think Canada. Yes, even shed feathers you found on the ground. Hawks and their kin are migratory. The only exception is members of American Indian nations, for ceremonial purposes.

That said, I have many such and use them. I doubt you'd get hassled. It's to keep people from killing them and selling the feathers. Some people over-react, and I'd bet nobody but a bird killer has ever been fined. Still, you aren't going to be able to buy them from a dealer. You might buy domestic bird plumage dyed to look like raptor feathers.

- Bill

 

[ShortAndCashed]

Thanks for that info, I hadn't seen that one, I had to google it. I'm not sure about it, though, since it is legal to hunt dove, geese, ducks, etcetera in Alabama, and they're all considered migratory birds...