Preening (Part 1)

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.

Grey Heron Preening.

For the 100th edition of Wild Bird Wednesday hosted by Stewart, instead of re-posting some previous images, I thought I would share one of my favourite subjects, the Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea). During a very recent stroll around a local watery location I came across a juvenile patiently waiting at the waters edge.

It then started its preening ritual so I thought this was a good opportunity to get some close ups that clearly demonstrate the flexibility of that long neck.

Preening is an essential behaviour, second only to feeding, and is often observed both in the field and in your garden. It is the bird's way of keeping all those of thousands of feathers in tip top condition. It involves removing dirt and parasites and then aligning each individual feather in the optimum position relative to each adjacent one .... definitely not a quick and simple task.

This juvenile wasn't in a rush to look its best so I left it to carry on the good work.  FAB.

Linking to I'D-Rather-B-Birdin', Nature Notes and Wild Bird Wednesday.

Magical Mallard Moments.

During a recent stroll alongside the Wey Navigation I spied a male Mallard quietly preening...

and then a moment later the water erupted as he commenced the first of several  bathtime manouvres. 

Eventually the splashing died down....

and he shook off the excess....

and finally back to another calm preening session before he floated away suitably revitalised.  FAB.