Squeaky chirps from atop a dead tree betrayed the presence of several swallow-tailed kites, probably adults and offspring. It came as no surprise since they frequent the area; but a bit of fluffy down on the pavement did arouse my curiosity. Likely it came from one of the raptors high above, and I wanted to see how it appeared through a microscope.
The photo collage above shows the small shaft (upper left photo) and tip of one of its wispy filaments (other two photos above). A possible source of the down can be seen in the photo below. Clearly there is much more to these fine, soft feathers than meets the eye.
#down #swallowtailedkite #microscope
Eskildoodle Photos and Feelings 