The soaking g may just be to collect moisture to keep the eggs/hatchling humid. Especially when the air is hot and dry. Most artificial incubators have containers for water and instructions to keep them full.



Hal Michael
Science Outreach Director, Sustainable Fisheries Foundation
Olympia WA
360-459-4005
360-791-7702 (C)
ucd880 at comcast.net


> On June 13, 2019 at 8:26 AM Vicki Biltz <vickibiltz at gmail.com> wrote:

>

> 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 mailto:vickibiltz at gmail.com

> Buckley, WA 98321

>

>

> vickibiltz at gmail.com mailto:vickibiltz at gmail.com

> http://www.flickr.com/photos/saw-whets_new/

>

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