Spreadout in the sun

I watched this male Blackbird speading out his feathers in the stong sunlight, this does two things, it helps the preen oil to spread across the feathers and drives parasites out from within the plumage, very clever

[Heather]

A great capture, Peter, with super focus and detail! I especially like the yellow beak and the yellow rim around its eye. And great info- I had no idea!

[Babs]

They are very clever aren't they.

[JackieR]

A colleague told me it's called 'anting' as ants are invited to take parasites away. Often wondered if this is true

A fabulous bird portrait

[Peter]

@365projectorgheatherb Thank you for your great comment Heather, you learn something new every day on 365project:)

[Peter]

@onewing Yes indeed Babs they are, couldn’t get to close didn’t what to disturb him, hence this image is well cropped:)

[Peter]

@30pics4jackiesdiamond Not heard it called that Jackie but it’s absolutely right another way is dust bathing to get rid of the parasite’s:)

[Diana]

Fabulous shot and info, I often see the doves and pigeons do that here in summer.

[Peter]

@ludwigsdiana Thank you so much for your great comment Diana yes lots different birds do this as well as dusting themselves all over:)

[Lou Ann]

Ahhh nice capture, and good information.

[Peter]

@louannwarren Many thanks for your commenr Lou Ann:)