>And perhaps the silliest question of all...where do marabou feathers come >from? By that, I mean the species of bird as well as what part of the bird.
Gary Not silly at all. I think its important to know where your materials come from. Right now, I studying about the polymerization process to make polypropylene (but not by choice!) (Some things you can know too much about!) Once upon a time marabou came from the marabou stork from Africa. As the birds became scarce due to their usage in women's hats an alternative was sought. Laws about exporting the feathers were also passed. Today, marabou comes from turkeys. Old timers have said that turkey marabou is better than the original stork marabou. The best comes from the body portion covered by the wings (when folded) and under the legs. The longer marabou on the larger stems, comes from under the tail feathers. If you are interested, you can help me pluck a turkey the next time one is ready! Ed
