Fly Tying: Ostrich Herl Body Material

A few years ago, I started using Ostrich Herl for the abdomen of The Orb Emerger (Callibaetis pattern). I also used Ostrich Herl for the tail and as emerging wings. I like the results. I have to believe there is a subtle yet recognizable movement to suggest life in motion. So far, I have only used this pattern on lakes over Chironomid and Callibaetis hatches with some success.

Here, I used a mallard fiber tail and then wrapped up tan and black ostrich herl. I wound a single strand of pearl krystal flash up through the wrapped ostrich herl. Right at the head of the thorax area, I did a sparse dubbing of peacock ice dub.

The same Ostrich Herl components. I just messed with the photo composition a bit for a different effect. That thorax head looks buggy though.

Florida Everglades & Natural Area Problems

We hear that the Florida Everglades are beset by various harms. One is the  release of pythons into the wilds by stupid ‘pet’ owners. The importation and sale of such non-native species must stop!

“a new report found the python infestation in the Everglades, caused by lazy pet owners releasing their snakes there, has decimated nearly all of the most common animals: A recent count found 99 percent of raccoons and 88 percent of bobcats had vanished, along with practically all the rabbits and foxes.”

Sliced and diced Python showing the dozens of embryos!

Also, check out FeyGirl at Serentiy Spell and her very nice photographs of Florida wildlife and the Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day….

I couldn't resist. She just seemed so festive and I love green.

Considered one of the more popular patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick appears to have had a sacrificial life to say the least. Hardship and service. So, for all of you that find the occasion a celebratory excursion of pub crawls take a moment to study up on the more stoic life of Pádraig. And for goodness sakes be careful out there with the Jameson’s, Old Bushmills and the brews!!! Slán go fóill   LOTGK (a little freaky/sexist I would say; no offense to Pádraig and his devoted followers)

Yes, a more reverential, less sexist sort would have used this rendition of St. Patrick from St. Benin’s Church.