Ostrich Feathers

The Muppet Feathers appeared in a 1966 installment of The Mike Douglas Show, to demonstrate what Jim Henson could do with simple ostrich feathers. Kitted out with eyes and moving, thread operated circular mouths, a trio of feathers lip synch to "Good Lovin'". A small feather (performed by Jerry Nelson) tries to join in, dancing wildly, but is pushed away. He gets his revenge by bringing out a fan, to blow his rivals away. This motif was similar to such sketches as Java. In an unintended effect, however, described by Nelson at the Museum of Television and Radio "Muppet Rarities" event in 2003, the small feather is also blown away, leading to an improvised ending in which all the feathers return and bow.