City - Abbotsbury State - DORSET Country - United Kingdom
About
The swans moult in June and July ~ they even shed their flight feathers and so become grounded until their new primaries are fully grown (each bird will remain flightless for five to six weeks). Primary feathers are collected daily during the moult and are supplied to calligraphers including scribes at Lloyds of London, who have them made into quill pens in order to record shipping accidents in the 'Doom Book'. Short flexible scapular feathers are collected and supplied to the Plummery in London where they are hand-sewn to produce the plumes that adorn the helmets of the Queen's bodyguard (the 'Gentlemen at Arms'). Other uses for feathers include: centre pieces for artists' paintbrushes, beekeeper's brushes used for sweeping bees from honeycomb, and arrow flights, etc.
What a wonderful about Susie, I shoot swans but had never considered all these points you have made, thank you. A lovely shot of this classical swan pose with good detailing. Another HUUUUG and more best wishes......Ray
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