Second only to feeding, preening is a common bird behavior easily observed in a backyard or out in the field.
Little Egret making sure its flight feathers are in alignment.
Birds can have up to 25,000 feathers so regular grooming that may take up to several hours each day is very important to keep them in tip top condition for various reasons; efficient flight, waterproofing and insulation, removal of parasites and lice that may carry disease, removing tough sheaths from newly moulted feathers and improving their overall appearance to attract a mate.
Black-headed Gull in winter plumage.
Egyptian Goose reaching those difficult to access areas.
Even youngsters like this Juvenile Blue Tit have to learn this tricky and important art very quickly in order to survive.
And finally Mrs. Mallard.
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.
what a great series. :) did a second look at the egyptian goose as it has the same coloration as our whistling ducks. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's quite the workout! Imagine having to clean each of those feathers every day:) Lovely captures and theme!
ReplyDeleteLove those shots! I got to watch my eagle preening too.
ReplyDeleteNice set of "preening" images, FAB. I'm with TexWis, I thought it was a Whistling Duck when I first glanced at it.
ReplyDeleteNeat shots Frank! Would be much easier if they could just hop in the shower ;)
ReplyDeleteHello Frank!:) Super theme, and shots of all the birds. Preening really is a fine art!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. It's serious business keeping those feathers clean.
ReplyDeletegorgeous shots. Especially love the first one.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea on the cleaning. A very important tasks for these birds.
ReplyDeleteGreat series and photos; bird cleaning day.
ReplyDeleteThey are all busy making themselves beautiful. Great captures!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots, Frank! Great variety of birds engrossed in preening!
ReplyDeleteI really like this series. Great captures of an unexpected pose!
ReplyDeleteFrank I am laughing. This is so funny. Busy guys, yeh.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures, especially the Little Egret!
ReplyDeleteLovely preening birds!
ReplyDeleteGeweldig mooi om dit zo voor elkaar te krijgen moet je wel veel werk verzetten.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! I have some teenagers who do this "several hours each day" as well
ReplyDeleteThe little juvenile Blue Tit along with the gorgeous colours of the Egyptian Goose are my favorites and I find it very neat as I took images this week of various birds preening as well, Will not be sharing them for a while though...too many drafts already int the line up ;)
ReplyDeleteWe all need to keep clean and tidy. Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding shots!
ReplyDeleteNice set of shots - everything in place and a place for everything.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
NIce preening series. All are keeping those feathers in good shape.
ReplyDelete