Blackbird Wings

[sonnaghan]

I came across a pair of these amongst old materials. Must have bought them 30 years ago. From a male bird. Looked at the wings and they are beautifully coloured. So I tied up a couple of sooty olives. Now they are a bit fiddly but to me they are superb for winging. Rarely mentioned in any of my books. I know they are protected.
Has anyone else used these wings and what for? Really would appreciate any help.
Thanks

[troutfisher]

The Greenwells Glory was originally winged with Hen Blackbird wings.

[A. Fluker]

Iron Blue Dun?

[maharg]

Originally Posted by Loopy

Iron Blue Dun?

Good shout.
Should be worth a try with all the patterns that use starling if you want a darker wing.

[clydestyle]

the various uses of these feathers are found in a wee red book called "lets fish the clyde" which is as rare as hobby horse keech

the best dressing for these feathers are as follows

hook size 14,16 b170 med trout
silk pearsals yellow dulled with rosit (cobblers wax)
hackle small black hen (best quality possible)
wing hen black bird (crucial this must be from secondry feather quills they are more softer than primaries secodaries can be found apprx 4 feathers from 1st
i use 1 slip from right and 1 slip from left tie in with pinch and loop then tie in hackle front of wing approx 1 and half tirns tie in and finish neat head)

body sop thread so that it stops at wher hook point is adjacent and keep as neat and sparse as possible this little flea is deadly all season particular on sunny days