Starling for tying

[just_steven]

Hi guys

I just came across Malcolm's cracking photo of a starling - http://www.wildfisher.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=472
I have quite a good selection of young starling wings but I only tend to use them for tying up spiders!
The colours and iridescence on the feathers of this adult bird are amazing!
Does anyone have any fly patterns that would make use of the body plumage?

Steve

[Highlander]

The whole bird is usable. Just select a feather  suitable for hook size & pattern you are tying. The neck normally has the best for spiders with bigger ones on the body & back.
Primary or secondary for "blae" wings on wee wets. Dyed a suitable colour they make passable Swift, Dotterel & Landrail substitute. All in all a most useful bird when dead, when alive they are a bloody nuisance.
:roll:
Tight Lines

[rabbitangler]

The 'Starling Tip' uses the body feathers for its wing, paired back to back.

The tying as per Bert Sharps book is (from memory)

Body -    peacock herl
Hasckle - Black hen
Wing -     as above

There may be a gold tag but I'm not sure.

It's good early season wet.

Peter

[east wind]

The body plumage can also be used for spiders.

Davy.

http://www.fish4flies.com/Wet/Spider_and_Drowning_Daddies/Stewart's_Black_Spider

Great pattern from the "old days"