Mearns and Pheasant

[Old Hat]

Another one with the Mearns quail hackle. This particular feather is closer to the breast of the bird and the feather was half spotted and half red.



Hook: Ken Sawada Old Limerick Wet #12
Thread: Griffith's 14/0 Cranberry
Body: Golden Pheasant center tail fibers
Hackle: Mearns Quail breast feather

[Roy]

Beautiful fly
I'd use that alright
lovely plumage, would be stunning dyed golden olive?

Where do I get a skin?

thanks,
Roy

[letumgo]

Great...now I need a Mearns quail skin...

Beatutiful fly Carl.

[Old Hat]

If you guys find a source for them, let me know. I haven't been able to find any. They are used for some salmon fly patterns and are hard to come by. I have seen some on Ebay but sold just as a couple feathers as opposed to a skin. These came from a friend who ties salmon flies and had sent me a small patch. The best thing is find someone who hunts them. I think they are a southwest U.S. bird. The feathers definitely would be great for dying.

[Roy]

Thanks for the info, Old Hat,
I'll see if I can find a hunter...
meanwhile, sticking with what I have,
will try to get a photo of that japanese quail, dyed golden olive,
lovely stuff, makes sweet flies.

cheers
Roy