As a nature lover and backyard birdwatcher, I’ve always been captivated by the various behaviors displayed by the feathered visitors to my yard. One particularly intriguing behavior that I’ve witnessed and photographed multiple times is birds sunbathing. Today, I want to share with you my latest encounter with this fascinating phenomenon.
Last month, I captured a stunning photo of a Blue Jay lying on the ground, wings spread wide, soaking up the sun’s warm rays. If you weren’t familiar with this behavior, you might think the bird was injured or in distress. However, this is a common practice among many bird species, including Blue Jays, American Robins, and Eastern Bluebirds, all of which I’ve photographed sunbathing in my yard.
Sunbathing, also known as “sunning,” serves several purposes for birds. It helps them maintain their feathers by spreading natural oils from their preening glands evenly across their plumage. The sun’s heat also aids in eliminating parasites that may be lurking within their feathers. Additionally, sunbathing can help birds regulate their body temperature, especially on cooler days.
I find it absolutely mesmerizing to watch these birds stretch out their wings, exposing their back and wings to the sun. They often remain in this position for several minutes, seemingly in a state of pure bliss. It’s a reminder of how connected these creatures are to their environment and how they instinctively know what their bodies need.
If you’d like to see more examples of birds sunbathing in my yard, I’ve shared a few other encounters on my blog. Last summer, I captured a fantastic shot of a Blue Jay sunbathing, which you can see here: Blue Jay Sunbathing. I’ve also witnessed and photographed an American Robin and an Eastern Bluebird engaging in this behavior, which you can check out in these posts: An American Robin Soaking Up the Rays and Eastern Bluebird Sunbathing Antics.
The next time you spot a bird lying on the ground with its wings outstretched, take a moment to observe this incredible natural behavior. It’s a testament to the beauty and complexity of the avian world, and a reminder of how much we can learn by simply paying attention to the wildlife around us.