Feathers

After a day mostly spent shopping , visiting Molly and popping round to Chris and Lizzy's house, I spent some time this evening photographing feathers as part of a Christmas quiz I'm preparing for the local group of the Wildlife Trust. 

When observed closely, feathers are amazing structures, and the main image of a pheasant's feather clearly shows the main shaft, which supports two rows of barbs, which in turn support two rows of smaller, numerous barbules. The barbules interlock to form a lightweight and pliable structure that is also extremely strong and resilient. 


The extra shows an extreme macro of part of a feather from a tawny owl's wing. Like all owls, this has adaptations that allow almost silent flight. Comb-like serrations on the leading edge of the wing feathers (not shown) break up the turbulent air that typically creates a swooshing sound. Those smaller streams of air are further dampened by a velvety texture unique to owl feathers and by a soft fringe on a wing's trailing edge, both of which can clearly be seen in the image. These structures together streamline the air flow and absorb the sound produced.