Just for Fun

Birding is such a fun pastime. While out on a birdwatching excursion there is always something beautiful, interesting or fascinating to see. Sometimes bird behavior can be quite comical and/or baffling. This post features various birds exhibiting behaviors that will hopefully bring a smile to your face.

While vacationing in Florida, I found this handsome Osprey perched atop a dead tree. I was thrilled when it began ruffling its feathers, which I thought would make for a more interesting photo. 

Not quite as interesting as I had hoped.

While photographing this serene scene of a Snowy Egret looking out over Sarasota Bay, a feisty Wood Stork entered the frame and goosed the unsuspecting egret.

This male Eastern Bluebird gets my vote for the Father of the Year Award. The attentive dad gathered up six or seven plump waxworms to feed to his five hungry nestlings.

A bit camera shy ~ Green Heron

Another bird who would rather not be photographed ~ Snowy Egret

Peek-a-boo! ~ Prothonotary Warbler

Those crunchy crab legs don't exactly slide down the throat ~ Juvenile Yellow-crowned Night Heron

I snapped this photograph of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird just as it was about to fly off the feeder. At the moment I captured the departure, it had twisted its head right-side up, though not the rest of its body.

Oh dear ... I guess when you gotta go, you gotta go.

"You talkin' to me?" ~ Green Heron

A Snowy Egret playing ostrich.

I guess this Ospreys last meal was not quite sushi grade fish.

I came upon this American Robin with its wings splayed low against the forest floor. I've also seen Eastern Phoebes exhibit this interesting behavior. One explanation could be what is called "anting". The bird spreads its wings and lies in an area where ants are present. Ants are then rubbed onto the feathers. The ants' body fluids are thought to repel or kill parasites.

Perhaps Pepto-Bismol is in order ~ Green Heron

A very berry mush face ~ House Finch

Posted by Julie Gidwitz