Hi Tweets,
A few days ago, I was watching the birds in my waterfall. There was a
male Tanager, three Robins, Pair of Towhees, and a Song Sparrow, and Oregon
Junco.
There was initially just two Robins, I concluded they were mates, by
the way he watched over her while she bathed. The third Robin, male, got
into the upper part of the stream and worked his way down, a huge mistake.
The male of the couple ripped him a good one, an exciting battled ensued,
and his mate was saved from whatever dangers the male Robin assumed was
heading her way. A male Tanager landed and was soon dismissed, he didn't
stay to argue. The male Towhee, didn't seem to bother the Robin, and his
female companion actually bathed right next to the female. So, the main
battles are over and I watch the female, she's been in there quite a while,
her brood patch is open and she's just leaning into the flowing water.
I've actually never seen this behavior before, so I was rather surprised at
how long she stayed. Other little birds came and went, and still she
soaked her poor little tummy.
When I think about how much trouble puppies and kittens cause their
mother while nursing in the latter weeks, surely she must go through
something like this. Maybe not, but I can't explain such a long soaking
either.
Have a birdy day,
Vicki Biltz......(the Lessers are still around and fledged three chicks
successfully)
vickibiltz at gmail.com
Buckley, WA 98321


vickibiltz at gmail.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saw-whets_new/
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