Irma is a form of the English and German Erma. Irma is also a contraction of the German Irmingard. Irma has 16 forms that are used in English and foreign languages. Forms used in English include Erma (used in German too), Herma, Irmagard, Irmagarde, Irmeena, Irmen, Irmgard, Irmgarde, Irmina, Irmine, and Irmyna. The Portuguese IrmÃ£ is a form of Irma that is in foreign languages. Specific foreign variants include the diminutive forms Imke (German and Frisian), Imma (German), Irmela (German), and Irmuska (Hungarian).
Although some people confuse woodcock with their close cousin, the snipe, the birds are separate species that belong to the sandpiper family. Unlike others in its family, woodcock prefer uplands. Woodcock are forest birds known for their erratic flight patterns and unusual spring displays by the males. A Senecan Indian myth says God made the woodcock from the leftover parts of other birds. Large eyes are located along the sides of the bird's head, allowing it to see in all directions, including directly behind.
Feather Shuttlecocks. Feathered shuttlecocks are the choice of all professional level badminton players. These are made up of 16 feathers (normally goose or duck) attached to a 'semi-ellipse' shaped cork. Feather shuttlecocks tend to be quicker than the plastic alternative, and have a much more consistent flight. The main disadvantage of feather shuttlecocks is the lack of durability. Each shuttle may only last one game, or sometimes even less. As soon as one feather becomes damaged, the flight is compromised.