1FTR
Loc: Pacific Northwest - Portland area
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.
1FTR wrote:
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.
Saw this Blue from down the trail and across a (sm... (
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Interesting images of the Great Blue.
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
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.
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