"Mooning" Blackbird

[Nathaniel]

I was walking along in the Conwy RSPB reserve today looking for some small birds to photograph when I came across this blackbird lying on it's stomach. I thought it would hop/fly away as I approached but it remained in that position and then turned round and did a "moon" before hopping into the undergrowth. I wonder whether any of our expert "birders" could explain this behaviour! This is the first time I have seen this.

IMG_3391 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

IMG_3394 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

IMG_3395 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

IMG_3392 by Nathaniel Ramanaden, on Flickr

[antoeknee]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Quite a bit of discussion about why birds 'sun' themselves like this.

Blackbirds do this quite a lot but I've seen other species do it as well. Had a robin doing this in the garden the other day.
Here is a link to BTO page on the subject

https://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/behaviour/sunbathing

[Nathaniel]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Thank you Ant. I have learnt something today. I thought that the blackbird was a "cheeky chappie"!

[antoeknee]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Some birds have been seen to do this near ants nest and will pick up some ants so that they squirt their formic (from the latin for ant) acid on the birds plumage. The theory being this gets rid of parasites.

[Trev B]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Nice informative set Nat

[Nathaniel]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Thanks Trev. I have learnt a lot myself!

[pelliott1954]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Nice set with good info following, sharp too

Regards Paul

[Nathaniel]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Thanks Paul.

[tesarver]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Very informative set Nat

Tom

[Nathaniel]

Re: "Mooning" Blackbird

Thanks Tom. Bit embarassing to post on FB!!!!!!!