nepenthesnut

I figured as much. Damn, that bird is absolutely gorgeous. Guess it will be dumpster time. Thanks

A friend of mine found a male scarlet tanager dead on the side of the road this past summer. It is in perfect condition otherwise but I was not sure what the legality is of the skin. I thought all songbirds are protected but an online search did not turn up any useful info. Would it be a problem to share or sell any portions of the skin? Thanks

Here are a few photos. The majority of them are mine and a couple are from online. Green Aracari Male: Female Green Collared: Ivory Bill: Ivory Bill 2: Curl Crested:

It has been quite a while since I have been on here as some health issues have prevented me from tying for a little over a year. It is nice to be getting back into it. One thing that has changed since I tied last is that I have begun breeding the smaller toucans commonly known as Aracaris. The plumage on these guys is quite spectacular and I can only wonder if there is much use for any of them. The four species I currently work with are the Ivory Bill, Green, Collared and Curl Crested. Is there any interest in feather from any of these birds? Richard

I have been tying flies for several months and, now that the snow has finally melted, I would like to get out and try some of them out. I have never even casted a single time so am brand new to the fishing portion of this. I have read a lot about rod lengths, weights, etc... and have a basic understanding. When I go online it seems that there are million combinations of rods, reels, backing, lines, leaders, tippets etc... The other variations are the "speeds" of the rods. From a beginner's perspective, it is way too much to sort out. I have no idea what preferences I have since I haven't even fly fished yet. I am pretty certain I want a 9.5 as I am mostly doing trout fishing. Before investing some serious money into a rod or reel I would like to get my feet wet (pardon the pun) and see what I like. Are there any good outfits available in the $200-$300 range that will let me get some experience and figure out what I like? I have seen some really cheap ones and then some at the opposite end of the spectrum (Thomas & Thomas is just up the road). Any suggestions of something "plug and play" would be appreciated. Thanks, Richard

I appreciate the input. It also answers my question as to how these capes are graded. I assumed that there was some standard set up somewhere rather than just the assesment of the seller. It seems there would be a lot of room for "error" in grading when the person selling them is grading them as well. Obviously the integrity of the seller is the most important aspect. Thanks, Richard

I can understand what the diference SHOULD be. My main question is WHO designates each cape to be the grade that the seller claims it is? The seller? The producer? Can I skin my bird and state it is a Grade "X" based on my assesment of the cape? Richard

I am relatively new to tying but have seen quite a few references to valuable jungle cock nails. I am curious as to how capes are graded and by whom. For instance, on E-Bay you can find capes for as little as 25.00 that have a fair number of splits. You can also find a cape for as much as $250 labelled as Grade A. Who says it is "Grade A" and how do you know it is? Is there a certain criteria for such a desgnation? Is there a certain limit to the number of splits allowed or specific colors that must be present for that grade? One reason I am curious is that I keep and breed several varieties of poultry (my roosters get a nervous look whenever they see me eyeing their hackles). I have been keeping them longer than I have been tying and am also planning on raising the jungle cocks next year. How can I know if any capes on my cocks would be worth anything. Richard

Hey thanks flytire! It's great to know that there will be a show close by. I definitely plan to be there. Thanks again, Richard

Hi Everyone, Since I am new to all of this I would really like an opportunity to visit a show/sale type event but am having a hard time finding info for one up in my area. I would think that New England should have at least one good event but so far have not been able to find it. If anyone has any information on these events I would appreciate the info. Thanks, Richard

Thanks for the advice. I never would have thought about the hollow quills! Wild turkeys are actually pretty stunning birds when you see them up close. The breast feathers have an irridescent bronze/green/purple sheen to them so I would think could be good for something. I also wonder about the beard. The texture is very coarse and wiry and reminds me of a more rough moose mane. If he is lucky enough to get one this fall I will be sure to grab the skin. Regarding the deer, what parts would be best to get? I have heard about belly fur and tails but am not sure what pieces are used the most. Obviously, I will not be keeping the whole skin but just grabbing patches here and there. Thanks, Richard

Since I am just starting out I do not yet know what materials are usefull and what is not. A friend of mine turkey hunts and skins his birds and discards the entire skin with feathers. I know I have seen turkey wings called for on occasion but don't know if there are other parts that could be used as well. It seems as though it could be a good source of a lot of feather material but I don't know if it would be worth keeping the entire skin. I am also curious if the beard is ever used for anything. I appreciate the responses. Thanks, Richard P.S. He also deer hunts and discards that skin too!

I appreciate the insight and the article was helpful too. I look forward to trying it out when it arrives! Thanks, Richard

I am brand new to both this forum and fly tying. I am in the process of getting all of my materials to start down this road and did not see the vise I chose mentioned. I ordered a Griffin Ent. Montana Mongoose. After watching many videos online I decided that I would like to start out with a rotary since it seemed to make some of the tecniques much simpler. I did not want to spend a lot of money to begin with but also did not want to get frustrated with inferior equipment that would make learning more difficult. Does anyone have an opinion on this vise? Since I did not see it mentioned I am a bit concerend. Thanks, Richard