November 12, 2020 - Feather Identification for Fun

One of my favorite pastimes at the Refuge has to be feather identification! While it is important to recognize that taking feathers home, or off the Refuge, is strictly illegal - it is perfectly fine to take photos of said feathers. Taking pictures of the feathers allows me to still be able to identify the feather later on, and also leaves the feather in its natural environment - for which it will provide nutrients once it decomposes. The easiest way to identify feathers, I have found, is to use the FWS Feather Atlas, Click here to check out this awesome resource. 

*I have yet to identify all of the feathers below- feel free to leave comments if you know what species a feather might be!*

A Barn Owl feather!

Does anyone know what kind of Jay feathers these are? 

I believe this is some type of owl feather, or some other bird of prey - does anybody want to help me out with this one?

Red-Shafted Northern Flicker 

Great White Egret

Mourning Dove 

Northern Pintail. 
PC- Britta Plumhoff

To be Continued...