22 Nebraskaland • October 2020
FEATHERS
Nature's Abstract Art
Photos and story by Gerry Steinauer
A
bout 20 years ago on a Sandhills hunt, I was arranging
a few harvested grouse for a classic "I shot my limit"
photo when I noticed something far more enticing — the
feathers on the bird's back accentuated in warm sunlight.
After taking the photo, I was immediately hooked and
have been photographing feather close-ups whenever the
opportunity arises.
ABOVE: Sharp-tailed grouse feathers bathing in warm sunlight. OPPOSITE: Showy rooster pheasants decked out in an array of
iridescent colors.
