Kingfisher Blue

[Bob Triggs]

Is or was Kingfisher a tying feather source, and if so which feathers, patterns?

What is the status of using Kingfisher here in the U.S. and Washington today?

Alternatives?

[alpinetrout]

I'm not sure of specific uses outside of some classic salmon patterns, but I do know you can buy the skins.

[FT]

Bob,

Eurasian Kingfisher is entirely legal to possess, sell, and use in the US. The various shades of blue feathers are the one used, with the smaller, more squared off ones on the bird's back near the tail being primarily used as tail veilings. Granted, Kingfisher blue feathers are usually found in atlantic salmon classics; but there is no reason not to use them on steelhead flies.

[Davy]

I use them on certain small emerging blue midge patterns as well ( fall-winter)

[Tim Cottage]

They also make nice cheeks and throats.

[Bob Triggs]

Are our Kingfishers in the U.S. used for these feathers?

[Tim Cottage]

Not legally. They are on the list of birds protected by the Migratory Bird Act.

Wording in the Act makes it very clear that most actions that result in "taking" or possession (permanent or temporary) of a protected species can be a violation.

The word "take" is defined as meaning "to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect"

For more info go here. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/birdlaws/birdlaws.htm#violate

TC

[Bob Triggs]

Thanks Tim! :thumb: