Primary vs. secondary feathers

[xtrema312]

I don't know where the line is between the two when grading them.  Does anyone have some photos to show how to judge them?  I have been saving feathers, and the early goose season is on so I hope to get some more goose feathers soon, but only want to keep the primary feathers.

[rastaman]

click here  

Here are some pics of turkey primary vs seondary feathers.  It works for me for goose also as far as being able to tell the difference.

[xtrema312]

Thanks.  It looks like as soon as your have anything more than a very narrow leading band of feathers it is a secondary.  I thought maybe there was more range in the amount of leading feather that could be on it and still be a primary.  I would guess feel for rigidity plays a little part..

[monkeyball]

Those primarys will also have a good high oil line if the bird is mature.  More durable,and water repellant.
                 Good shooting,
                              Craig

[stringstretcher]

Even on the primary feathers, which there are usually 8 to no more than 10 on each wing of a bird, have a #1 and a #2.  If you look at the base of the feather and look up you will see an oil line.  If the oil line goes more than half way up the feather, it is a #1 and the best.  If the oil line goes less than half way up it is a #2, which is still good, but not quite as stiff.  The stiffest feathers are on the front of the wing starting with those 2 o 3 small pointers and get wider and softer as they go back to the rear of the wing.