~ Feathers ~

BioImaging Solutions, Inc of San Diego loaned the class a stereo microscope that we used to explore the structure of different bird feathers, magnifying them up to 700 times their size.  The pictures can be seen below.

Because it is against the law to possess any birds of prey feathers in California, we used more common feathers for our investigation, assuming the structure of all bird feathers is similar.  Mrs. H. purchased real pheasant, peacock, and basic feathers from a floral supply and craft store to use. 

We found it very interesting when Mrs. Conney, of Sky Hunters Raptor Center, told us that all falcon, eagle, owl, and hawk feathers found or collected are sent to a "feather bank" for Native Americans to use in religious ceremonies and for headresses / bonnets.  Native Americans wishing to have any birds of prey feathers must register with the "bank" and there is a waiting list of several years!
 

Shaft (center) of feather
"Down" feathers next the bottom of the shaft - close to bird's body

Spines - extend from shaft to edge
closer view of the tiny feathers extending off spines

Pheasant tail feather
"Eye" of a Peacock feather

Peacock body feather
Zoomed in on Peacock body feather

 

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© 2006 by Lynne Harvey
Rolling Hills Elementary
Poway Unified School District
San Diego, Ca.