Ducks Redux

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Beautiful flies. If that Tup's is a reject then I'm in serious trouble with what I sent. Great looking pattern. I dressed my offerings on a Partridge Classic Spider hook, size 12.

[tie2fish]

Really nice, Bob! As a result of your posting, I'll be checking out the mallard wings I've got lying about that were purchased for their flight feathers.

[Smuggler]

Really great flies, Bob. Mallard coverts don't get used as often as they should. Very lively when wet.

Thanks for sharing these.

[gingerdun]

Bob,
Great post. Thanks for opening our eyes to these mallard coverts.
Man, I could barely do the twenty Tups flies, let alone 37. I about cried when I forgot to wrap the rib on one. That silver wire was still hanging out over the tail whisks as I started the whip finish. That one I did reject. In the 20 I sent out today there is some variation in the thorax roughness, and hackle length, and the tidiness of the heads. But I figured if Mother Nature isn't perfect every time, why try to outdo the great lady? (I actually would try for more consistency, but I just don't have the chops yet. )

Lance

[redietz]

What is a mallard convert, where on a mallard can I find that feather??

The coverts are the feathers on the leading edge of the wing. The link at this page has an illustration of a wing with the feathers labeled. You're looking for the "lesser wing coverts" (the median wing coverts are useful, too).

[redietz]

Really nice, Bob! As a result of your posting, I'll be checking out the mallard wings I've got lying about that were purchased for their flight feathers.

You've actually put your finger on one of the reasons that I like mallard coverts. I get them essentially free when I buy wings for quills.

[Kelly L.]

I liked the flies in the photos very much. If those got rejected, I cannot imagine what the ones you kept for the swap look like.

[Old Hat]

What is a mallard convert, where on a mallard can I find that feather??

The coverts are the feathers on the leading edge of the wing. The link at this page has an illustration of a wing with the feathers labeled. You're looking for the "lesser wing coverts" (the median wing coverts are useful, too).

Funny, I always thought the mallard converts were found on pintails and widgeons.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Flies are great Bob. Both of them. The feathers are something I have played with but always had a problem with them twisting around on me. Not a big deal for fishing purposes. You did a nice job with these.

[Mataura mayfly]

Really nice, Bob! As a result of your posting, I'll be checking out the mallard wings I've got lying about that were purchased for their flight feathers.

You've actually put your finger on one of the reasons that I like mallard coverts. I get them essentially free when I buy wings for quills.

I get them free when I level my 12ga at flying Mallards...... true the odd one gets damaged........ but not a bad way to gather a dinner as well as some tying materials.

[Ruard]

What is a mallard convert, where on a mallard can I find that feather??

The coverts are the feathers on the leading edge of the wing. The link at this page has an illustration of a wing with the feathers labeled. You're looking for the "lesser wing coverts" (the median wing coverts are useful, too).

Thank you redietz, I think I was a bit confused by the word convert<>coverts.

Greeting