[fisshman26]

Go for sparser hackle as in strip one side before wrapping and don’t even think jungle cock would look out of place. The crest work is outstanding

 

[fisshman26]

Thanks man. I actually did strip the feathers, hackle and collars.
One and a half turns of both the schlappen and the teal, underside first.
I think I did do a full turn on the gadwall at the end of the ribbing then plucked the barbs at the top of only that front wrap.
If I did without the schlappen, it'da been a lot sparser for sure, but I wanted some red up front.
I wish it was a lil sparser myself. Too many thick-burbled webby feathers. Rookie mistake.
Thanks for the tips.

With schlappen if you crush the barbs with your thumbnail the fibers separate and can give you a sparser look or just go to a cheap Chinese cape