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Project Noah Nature School
Columba palumbus
Wood pigeon feather under the rain. Pigeon feathers are hydrophobic. The water drop, supported by network formed by barbs and barbules, sits partially on air pockets. A twofold structure of a feather flavours large contact angles and provides its water repellency. Besides, water drops act as magnifying lenses changing the pattern of the feather barbs.
Holm oak forest
Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/60 sec.; f/32; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV; Focal Length: 90.0 mm. Flash fired
Spotted on Nov 7, 2013
Submitted on Nov 26, 2013
7 Comments
Thanks KarenL. I love the fun facts!!
Fun fact! Pigeon feathers are hydrophobic – they repel water. Unlike many water birds that waterproof their feathers with oils secreted from preen glands, in pigeons this is achieved by a network formed by barbs and barbules creating air pockets that support water droplets. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...
Thanks Chief!
Wow! wonderful!
Good idea Mark, I'll try!
Wow. I have new desktop wallpaper. Thanks arlanda.
I changed the first picture!