Feathers

Blow on a duck feather and it twirls and swirls.
Goose feathers are fluffy whorls of curls.

Down gives warmth, remiges aid flight
soaring and drifting – strong, firm and light.

Tail feathers set flightpaths and a steady steer –
essential tools, required flying gear.

Contour feathers have waterproof tips
In showers they protect from cold, icy drips.

Some birds’ feathers are a flashy patterned hue
Saying, ‘Look! I want to be seen by you!’

Find a feather in a bush or lying on the ground,
look at it, examine it, turn it round and round.

It’s not ‘just a feather’ – each has a special role
for warmth, strength, camouflage or fine-tuned wing control.