#200 - The Emperor

Tied by: Don Ordes
Originated by: Don Ordes

Hook: Gaelic Supreme Mike Martinek Rangeley Streamer hook
Thread: White
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Body: White floss
Rib: Flat silver tinsel
Belly: White polar bear then shorter yellow polar bear
Throat: Orange polar bear
Wing: 6 black hackles
Shoulder: 2 white turkey flats, shorter yellow turkey flat, red golden pheasant feather, long orange turkey biot then a shorter black turkey flat
Eye: Jungle cock
Head: Black

Notes: Don has a creative mind and is quite at home tying decorative and collectable flies even more than fishing flies. He decided to experiment with classic featherwing streamers. Don has used a method of layering feathers to present color, sort of painting with the feathers to create themed streamers, patterned after birds. His first effort in this realm was a Macaw inspired pattern (it will be showcased later in the project). Once the macaw was in the can, Don brainstormed for his next model and after a lengthy search, he decided upon the emperor penguin. He set to work on a prototype, but not happy with the results, Don put his computer skills to work and created a digitally enhanced version of his vision. This was the result of the digital monkeying, and some input from fellow tyers into the final design. The emperor penguin's bright orange bill slash is represented by the orange biot, and the shoulder of the fly is layered to mimic the splash or warm color on their neck. With the recent record temperatures, it's nice to be able to think about cooler days and play with some snow for a good cause.