FLYMPH FORUM

Attached to a birthday card I recently got from fellow member Doug Duvall (along with a couple other deliciously tied flies) was this superb rendition of Cal Bird's "Birdnest" pattern. Initially scorned as being "messy", this caddis pupa imitation has proved to be a killer pattern on trout waters around the world. I have seen the real deal as tied by Bird in John Shaner's collection, and Doug's version certainly does it justice.

Bill,

Thank you for sharing this with us. Doug has done a terrific job. I’d fish that in a heartbeat!

Ultrabuggy fly!

Great Birthday present. Beautiful fly!

Tom

tie2fish, Howdy;

Thanks you for sharing another of Doug from the Dens creations. There are no bounds
to his talent and skill in tying some of the buggiest flys to see.

Thank you both very much.

hank

Guys....and Bill,
Thank you all for the super comments! This pattern really lives up to its name, "Bird's Nest". I once sent Bill a pattern of similar messiness (maybe a bit more spiky) and called it Bad Hair Day. It seems that the more unkempt they are, the better they fish! I think we've all know that for a long time!
Enjoying great forum threads such as this one,
Dunksden

Beautifully done Doug. Just like it should be. The Bird's nest is by far and away the most productive soft hackled nymph I carry in my boxes. I tie the original, the spectral, a pale yellow version and a dark (almost black) version all with and without small beadheads. I use to do the same with hare's ear nymphs but had so much better returns with this pattern that I don't carry the hare's ear anymore. I wouldn't go to the water without a spectral Bird's Nest. I've been thinking about trying out a light pinkish version as well to add. Like a Tups version.

Carl,

Could you post your three color variations for comparison? I’m very interested in seeing the color of the spectral dubbing. That Tups variation sounds very promising.

Carl: What Ray said. Please.

Doug: That fly is gorgeous.

Another of the tie2fish patterns that I'll need to mimic. Carl, I too would love to see your color variations..
Thanks for sharing.