This starling was just sitting very low to the ground with it's head held up. Can anyone tell me why as this is not something I've seen before in all the years I watched the starlings in the garden.
I think he's probably sunning himself! Blackbirds do it a lot! Some birds do this near an ants nest too so that the ants climb over them and remove parasites.
Here's a female blackbird sunning herself:
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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I agree with MarJus. It's most probably sunbathing. It looks rather alarming the first time you see a bird do it!
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Hi Robert,
Yes, I'd plumb for the Starling sunning itself, too. That, or 'anting' where the bird encourages ants to squirt their formic acid over its feathers. Popular theory seems to be that this helps control parasites, but it may also act as a kind of conditioner for feathers.
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it - Jules Renard
Ive watched a Jay doing that on a wood ants nest up in the hills near me . I thought it was eating them to start with and it stayed there a good 10 minutes on and off. Was quite a sight!
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
Hi Robert
I agree with everyone here that the Starling is sunning itself. Their expression of birds enjoying themselves in warm luxury is comical to look at.
It does look odd to anyone who has not observed the behaviour before, so your birds are fine and this is normal behaviour by all accounts.
Great picture MarJus of Mrs B enjoying herself {smile}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thanks everyone, we learn a little more everyday.
Robert