Feather Maintenance: Sunning

We have had a wonderful string of sunny days (until today) and it was no surprise that during this gorgeous weather the birds were out in full force taking in the sun.

Feather maintenance is of major importance to birds, and anting, preening, oiling, bathing, dusting and sunning are all part of their feather care. On a daily basis birds will almost certainly do one of these activities in order to keep their feathers in tip-top shape.

Yesterday I found a Mourning Dove in this unnatural pose (above) – laying on its belly with one wing extended and the tail spread to meet the wing. I have seen Blue Jays and American Robins in almost the same pose, with both wings extended, head lifted and tilted, and mouth open; and Mourning Doves leaning to one side with a wing raised to catch the sun’s rays.