Comments on: Feather Facts http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2012/12/28/feather-facts/ A Bird Blog with Kate St. John Mon, 20 May 2013 20:51:04 +0000 hourly 1 By: Kate St. John http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2012/12/28/feather-facts/comment-page-1/#comment-21204 Kate St. John Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:56:16 +0000 http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/?p=60738#comment-21204 There have been a lot of razorbills as far south as Miami. They counted hundreds during their CBC. Amazing!

]]> By: kc http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2012/12/28/feather-facts/comment-page-1/#comment-21202 kc Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:05:17 +0000 http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/?p=60738#comment-21202 Unfortunately, I came across a dead razorbill on the beach last weekend. Fortunately though, I am not squeamish when it comes to dead birds and took advantage of an opportunity to closely inspect a species I would probably never be so close to ever again. The bill was of particular interest to me and I took note of a long pointed flexible tongue, but what floored me almost beyond belief was the plush texture of the underbelly feathers. I could not resist touching the belly feathers and I am so glad that I did. I’ve never in my life touched something so plush, so soft, so minutely and intricately layered. It was amazing.

As an aside, alcids (razorbills and even dovekies) are being observed from shore in NJ in decent numbers this season if anyone is considering a roadtrip.

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