As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

African warriors want East Yorkshire bird feathers

Published on the 23 December 2014 

African ostrich feathers have long-inspired international fashion styles, but now the opposite is true: feathers from the humble British pheasant are topping trends in Africa.

The mottled brown plumage is in such demand amongst warriors in northern Kenya wanting exotic trimmings for their headdresses; a Yorkshire wildlife artist is posting a fistful to the region for Christmas.

All this year wildlife artist Robert E Fuller, of Thixendale, North Yorkshire, has been collecting this common game bird’s tail feathers to give to Samburu tribesmen.

“It’s probably the most unusual gift I’ve ever sent,” said Mr Fuller.

Mr Fuller befriended the warriors whilst on safari in northern Kenya in 2012.

“I visited Elephant Watch Camp, an eco-camp run by the celebrated elephant conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton and his family, in order to study elephants for a painting I was working on.

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