We went to the
Audubon Society of Portland for a book signing by Thor Hanson, a conservation biologist who has just published
Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle
. Like many kids, Jasper always seems to keep an eye out for feathers, and has quite a collection. We thought it would be wonderful to learn more about them. Naturally, we got there early to stroll around their wildlife sanctuary first. There are beautiful yellow pond lilies blooming on their pond, and many hundreds of newts floating lazily just under the surface.
Mr. Hanson had some very interesting things to say about feathers. He pointed out that feathers are amazing because they serve so
many purposes. They almost certainly did not evolve specifically for flight. Many feathered dinosaurs have now been found, and he explained that new technology has been used on a couple of specimens to determine the pigments of their feathers. And so far, they seem to have been quite ostentatious. So right from the beginning, display was an important function. While many birds have quite spectacular plumage from a human point of view, birds have a wider spectrum of light which is visible to their eyes, which renders their feathers even more amazing. Feathers can both reflect and refract light, creating both solid and iridescent colors. While males often find bright colors to be a useful adaptation for attracting a mate, females, who may have to guard a nest, are more likely to use their feathers for the opposite purpose, as camouflage. Feathers can keep birds warm and can serve as marvelous waterproofing. And of course, they are great for flying.
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| Jasper's feather collection. |
Mr. Hanson said he didn't expect to find so many mountains of information on the cultural significance of feathers. One of the earliest examples was the depiction of angels with feathers, beginning with the ancient Zoroastrians. There is clearly something truly sublime about a feather.
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| A painted turtle under the water lilies. |
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| Admiring a banana slug. |
Mr. Hanson had some very interesting things to say about feathers. He pointed out that feathers are amazing because they serve so many purposes. They almost certainly did not evolve specifically for flight. Many feathered dinosaurs have now been found, and he explained that new technology has been used on a couple of specimens to determine the pigments of their feathers. And so far, they seem to have been quite ostentatious. So right from the beginning, display was an important function. While many birds have quite spectacular plumage from a human point of view, birds have a wider spectrum of light which is visible to their eyes, which renders their feathers even more amazing. Feathers can both reflect and refract light, creating both solid and iridescent colors. While males often find bright colors to be a useful adaptation for attracting a mate, females, who may have to guard a nest, are more likely to use their feathers for the opposite purpose, as camouflage. Feathers can keep birds warm and can serve as marvelous waterproofing. And of course, they are great for flying. 
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