Waterhen

[Traditionalist]

Waterhen, (Gallinula chloropus 13" also known as Moorhen. Also sometimes referred to as "judcock" ( See Snipe), "Stank hen " in Scotland. A very common bird in Britain. The name moorhen is misleading, and is, in fact, a corruption of mirehen or marshhen, which gives a much truer picture of its natural habitat.It is always found near water.   

Upper wings
   


Under wings
   


   


Hackles from Waterhen wings are used on a few famous soft hackle spiders. Mole fur is shown next to the hackle. ( Although actually Water rat, [Vole] should be used, it has a reddish brown tinge. Mixing fine chestnut brown fur with the mole makes a good substitute). These are the ingredients for the "Waterhen Bloa" or various "Blae" series flies in Scotland.
   


TL
MC

[Black-Don]

The name moorhen is misleading, and is, in fact, a corruption of mirehen or marshhen, which gives a much truer picture of its natural habitat.It is always found near water.
         
TL
MC

This is what they call a " Stank Hen " too Mike and it's used in the successful fly of the name but there seems to be a fair bit of variation in the recipe  :?

[Traditionalist]

This is what they call a " Stank Hen " too Mike and it's used in the successful fly of the name but there seems to be a fair bit of variation in the recipe  :?

Hi Don,

lots of local names for many of these things, can be a major problem with some old patterns.  If anybody has extra info like this, then I will add it.

Thanks!

TL
MC