Make+a+Feather+Collection

=Feathers flying in the Allen Centre...=
 * [[image:1-P1360399.JPG width="422" height="354"]] || [[image:goose feather width="230" height="361" align="center"]] || [[image:2-P1360354.JPG width="436" height="349"]] ||
 * [[image:P1190615-1.JPG width="414" height="295"]]

In the Allen Centre, at interval and lunchtime.
|| ======== Build a wing by reading feather clues || Beaks, feet, tails, wings, feathers... Colouring pages and word mazes [|here] || Learn all about feather structure [|here] || Little Owl feathers here || More feathers under the microscope here ||
 * [[image:feather1.jpg width="416" height="350"]]

=Feathers=

It is the shape of the wing that enables a bird to fly and the shape is formed by the feathers.
www.savalli.us/LSC294/Labs/12.BirdEvol.html
 * [[image:bird21.jpg width="469" height="481"]]
 * ==== Contour feathers shape. ====
 * ==== Covert feathers cover. ====
 * ==== Some feathers do both jobs. ==== || =Wing and Tail feathers=

**Contour** feathers **shape** the wing and have some special feather technology to help the bird fly.
. =Wing Feather Technology:= . || friendsofblackwater.org || ====.==== =Notched feathers= naturebytom.blogspot.co.nz ||. =Tail feathers= =Streamlining with barbs, barbules and hooks= www.nurseminerva.co.uk/adapt/feathers.htm || =Feather Vanes=
 * ====an especially rigid shaft====
 * ====light, broad vanes====
 * ====overlapping to reduce friction and drag====
 * ====narrow, stiffer vane edge towards to wind for strength====
 * ====covered along the leading edge by smaller contour feathers called coverts which shape the airfoil====
 * ====shaped to twist and tilt in flight (remember why this is important? Click here)====
 * ====the twist is similar to a propeller which only turns half-circle====
 * ====Notched to make slots to prevent stalling (see below)====
 * ====Alula feathers which make a specialized slot====
 * ====Each wing flight feather has a notch on the leading edge of the vane.====
 * ====The notches leave spaces (slots) between the feathers when the wing is spread.====
 * ====Air speed is increased through the slots to increase lift.====
 * ====This helps even out airflow and prevent stalling.====
 * ====Feathers on the **alula** can spread to make an exta slot and increase **lift**.====
 * ====Raising the feathers on the leading edge of the wing also makes slots.==== ||
 * [[image:bird24.JPG width="480" height="311" align="center"]]
 * ====the tail acts as the rudder to balance and steer the bird.====
 * ====tail feathers have vanes of equal sizes====
 * ====can be tipped in different directions for stability====
 * ====can be spread in flight to increase the surface are to get more lift====
 * ====the whole tail can be twisted to change direction====
 * ====feathers turn downwards to make a brake when landing==== ||
 * [[image:bird17.jpg width="380" height="296"]]
 * ====Vanes are made up of hundreds of branches called barbs====
 * ====Barbs angle towards the tip of the feather====
 * ====Each barb has tiny branches of its own called barbules====
 * ====The vanes are smooth because of the barbs and barbules====
 * ====Barbules on the edes on the barbs facing the tip of the feather have microscopic hooks====
 * ====Barbules on the side facing the base of the feather have rounded ridges====
 * ====The hooks on the barbules of one barb catch the ridges of the next barbule====
 * ====The barbules are held together like a zip====
 * ====This zip gives a solid almost airtight surface====
 * ====As the feather tilts and twist during flight the hooks slide back and forth to keep the feather surface smooth and flexible.====
 * ====Birds zip up their feathers by preening.==== ||