Simple solution. Before tying in pull downward on the fibers and then moisten you fingers and roll small sections of it between thumb and finger. This disfigures the barbules some so they won't stick together as much. You could probably fix that fly right now.Thank you all. I think one issue is these feathers were too large for what I needed. They over power the squirrel wrap i already had.
Had a small dubbing bump behind, but not enough.
I pull the feathers downward from the tip before tying in, and try to preen. Obviously I still need practice.
I'll try to comb, something I never do really.
Appreciate all your insight. Very kind.