Great Blue Drying Act
Apr 1, 2021 21:53:22 #
Saw this Blue from down the trail and across a (small pond) looking like it was standing on a stump, but, I knew there was no stump there. Had me stumped until I got closer and glassed it. Either drying out or warming up (in the afternoon sunshine) or both. I've seen vultures and osprey and eagles do this in the tree tops--hang their wings out like laundry on a cloths line. First time I've seen a Heron do it and do it on the ground. It cleaned and preened in between hanging its wings out. Quite an acrobatic performance. Entertained me.
Apr 1, 2021 21:57:52 #
1FTR wrote:
Saw this Blue from down the trail and across a (sm... (show quote)
Interesting images of the Great Blue.
Apr 1, 2021 23:02:54 #
1FTR wrote:
I've seen vultures and osprey and eagles do this in the tree tops--hang their wings out like laundry on a cloths line. First time I've seen a Heron do it and do it on the ground.
I've seen this behavior frequently with GBHEs here in KY, and I've learned that it is a method of thermoregulation, to shed excess heat, along with throat fluttering like a dog panting.
What's less clear to me is whether they also use this posture to gain heat in cool weather, like vultures perched on a barn ridge or in a tree on a cool morning.
Marshall
Apr 1, 2021 23:08:04 #
Apr 2, 2021 12:14:57 #
I've seen Great Blues doing this a few times. I always assumed they were just flashers!
You got great shots of this one in action.
You got great shots of this one in action.
Apr 2, 2021 12:25:12 #
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