Winter Starling Leather Mask

Starlings are some of the most beautiful, yet overlooked birds. Their feathers shimmer with iridescent greens and purples, and in winter, they gain lovely white spots on the ends of each feather. This mask is a stylized interpretation of this lovely bird in its winter plumage.

It makes me sad when people refer to starlings as 'trash birds.' It is true they are not a native species to the United States, and they survive with impressive numbers in many urban and suburban areas, but can you really blame an animal for thriving when given the chance? They make such beautiful sounds and are wonderful mimickers, and their plumage is stunning when hit by sunlight.

This mask is handmade from 8-oz leather, and adorned with real feathers. Although difficult to see by the angle, there are long, iridescent rooster coque feathers that curl back. For a larger view, hit the 'download' button.

This mask is available in my Etsy shop: [link] Sold!