Rub a Dub Dub
Toward the end a successful bird walk (success being defined as finding lots of warblers) at Seager Park we were making noises about heading back toward the parking lot when someone noticed some movement in a tiny pool of water next to the path. As we looked down we found a Chestnut-sided Warbler thoroughly enjoying a morning bath. It stayed in the water for several minutes, ducking its head under, shaking off the water, and squeaking with joy. The feathers tended to clump together in little spikes, particularly on its head. You can see a spray of water droplets as it shakes itself in the pool. Functionally birds bathe to rid themselves of dust and parasites and to help them preen their feathers, it’s obvious from these five pictures below that this little one got a lot of enjoyment out of it as well (see pic #4 of it squeaking out in joy!)
Below is a shot LinLark shared with us of a male Chestnut-Side Warbler when it is not all wet.
Go Birding. Take Pics. Share Here. Repeat.
Mike
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