I know that this has been addressed in the past, but I can't find it in the search. On the last 2 R-Grouse that I mounted, the flank(side feathers)did not reconnect the barbs in the feathers.Not all the feathers, just 2to 5 or 6 feathers. The skins were degreased, washed 3 times in dawn, rinsed 3 times, dried with a vaccuum cleaner in reverse.
The feathers have the appearance of being wet, with the barbs not reconnecting.
Thanks in advance
Fred
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This is a classic description of an almost-gone bloodstain or maybe grease burn (not too likely on a grouse) or a bit of soap residue.
It can be very frustrating because the darn stains are invisible to the naked eye! There is just enough there to mat down the barbules and keep the "zippers" on the feathers from working.
If it's just a few feathers you can pull them, wash and dry them separately and glue them back in place. Grouse seem to be prone to this, I think, because their feathers are so soft and fragile.
Nancy M.