Odd object sticking out of Heron

[DaiTheDragon]

Took this photograph today and wasn't until I got it on the computer that I noticed this very odd thing sticking out from the Heron. To me it obviously looks man made yet it doesn't look like a projectile. It didn't seem to bother the bird as it was fishing for some time. Any idea what it is ?.

Dai

[aeshna5]

Just look like feathers to me.

[John B (NTS)]

Yep, plain old feathers. Might be a moult season scruffiness effect.

[Oy]

Lazy Heron just needs a good old preen

[DaiTheDragon]

I will take your word on it as in some of the other head on image don't seem to show them sticking out.

Thanks
Dai

[thunder]

I think this is the alula or bastrad (spelt wrongly because the site is twitchy about the real spelling!) wing, the feathers on the thumb of some birds. See naturenutz's splendid Heron in "Heron came closer" post for another view.

henrya

[nightshade]

I thought a swan mussel had got him! but on the larger photo it can be clearly seen to be a couple of feathers.

[Dogghound]

Yes as suggested this is basically just the alula, which is just a bit ruffled as it normally fits into the wing. Not particularly due to moult rather how the bird is holding itself, although adult birds (like this) will be undergoing post-breeding moult at the moment.

[nigel_b]

This is in another post today:

[DaiTheDragon]

Thank you all. The photograph that Nigel has posted shows what you mean.

Dai