I collect Feathers from the Skyhawk about 4 or 5 times in a row. This takes up a lot of energy since it takes 15 hits to defeat (actually a few less). Then I go to the mainland and spawn a monster. I return to the Island and then collect from the Clouds. You could also spawn the Skyhawk from an isolated Cloud, and then collect from the rest of your Clouds. It's a good system, but is very energy intensive.
Agreed, love the new storyline!