starling skin finally

[lykos33]

OK, I finally got a starling skin from JStockard, hoping to tie some wets up like I see on here....any hints on where I should get / pluck from for best results? Them boogers are S-M-A-L-L...the starling that is...
Murray

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I like the coloring from the center of the back best, but I don't think there is such a thing as a bad starling feather. Eventually I use them all, except for those really tiny ones on the neck and head.

[Mataura mayfly]

Yep, they are small.......and brittle (if your ham fisted like me)....... but they are good!

Like Ron I would suggest middle of the back, shoulder area for a start. They are the biggest feathers and probably the strongest if you just have the skin without the wings. Have some fun and try tying by the tip and by the stem and see what suits you best. If you have the wings on your skin the covert (both inner and outer) can be used for soft hackles, quills for wings on both wet and dry flies.

Remember to let us see what you come up with!

[lykos33]

I have the whole skin, wings included... I will post when I have something worthy. I tied up a softy on a Dollar Store hook (I like the shape|) made up of dollar store "boa" fibers, Mason's line, and a really small Starling feather. Once I like the results ya'll will see it
Murray

[Mataura mayfly]

Murray, good on you! I do that kind of thing all the time, I can buy dyed biots at $3 each at the flyshop, or buy one of those hat fascinator things from the $2 shop that have several biots, some peacock herl, wire and sometimes hackle for just $2!

[flyfishwithme]

Murray, the wings are a great substitute for Blackbird. I use the wing in my Greenwell's by rolling (more like folding) and making sure it has a point to it. The old Clyde fliers used to put some varninsh on the tip to stop it splitting. This works for a short period but I do not think it makes any difference and the actual splitting probably makes the fly much more effective.
Not a good photo but here goes:

By the way, I even fish this as a dry (or should I say a single 'damp fly'....

[fflutterffly]

After many suggestions I to went out and got the Starling. Perfect for small flies.

[letumgo]

Philip (flyfishwithme) - Gorgeous fly!

[Mataura mayfly]

Philip (flyfishwithme) - Gorgeous fly!

Ditto!

[tie2fish]

Excellent tye!