Lacy Wings
by Gregory Scott
Title
Lacy Wings
Artist
Gregory Scott
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The seeming transparency of the wings in this photo demonstrates the tiny holes in the feather structure that makes the feathers partially transparent. You can see the colors of the bird's head through the wing in the foreground. The wings are not clear, but the transparency is the result of the tiny lacy structure of interlocking shafts and barbs in the micrososcopic structure of the feather. This bird is in a horizontal hovering position immediately above the feeder.
Since hummingbird feet are small, and are often hidden in their downy backside feathers, it's easy to understand why the legend that hummingbirds have no feet was created. But it is laughable, since you can easily see the birds perch (using their feet) on twigs near the territories they protect so vigilantly.
Uploaded
July 6th, 2013
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