A Blue Jay Sunbathing, or “sunning” in my yard.

“Avian sunbathing has mystified ornithologists for decades, but some recent research is confirming an old suspicion that the behavior helps fend off lice”.

Here is a great article in reference to this: Hot, Bothered, and Parasite-free: Why Birds Sun Themselves

Avian sunbathing refers to birds soaking up the sun’s rays. Some birds, such as chickens, will lie in the sun to absorb heat and regulate their body temperature. Sunbathing can also help birds dry off after bathing or rainfall, and stimulate the production of vitamin D in their skin. Some species may also sunbathe to rid themselves of parasites such as mites.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

• Location: My Yard (Arkansas)
• Date and Time Taken: July 7, 2022 (09:22 A. M.)
• Exposure Mode: Manual
• Aperture: f8
• Shutter speed: 1/800
• ISO: 320 (Auto)
• White Balance: Auto
• Metering Mode: Evaluative
• Back-button Focus
• Animal Eye Single Point Auto Focus
• Exposure Compensation: 0
• Focal Length: 500 mm

Related Post:

1. Hungry Baby Blue Jay

I photographed this hungry baby Blue Jay at the Fort Smith National Historic Site here in Arkansas. It was beginning to rain, so I didn’t get to photograph this bird being fed.

How I Got The Photo: Hungry Baby Blue Jay

This baby Blue Jay was on the backside of the gallows. I was hand-holding my camera and lens.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5                            
• Lens: Canon EF 800 mm f/11 

Technical:

• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date Taken: June 6, 2021 (9:48 A.M.)
• Aperture: f11
• Shutter speed: 1/400
• ISO: 4000 (Auto)
• White Balance: Auto
• Exposure Mode: Manual
• Metering Mode: Evaluative
• Back-button Focus
• Continuous Auto Focus
• Exposure Compensation: +1/3
• Focal Length: 800 mm
• Processed With Luminar

Related Posts:

1. American Robin Fledgling
2. Goslings With Mom
3. American Crow Fledgling
4. Carolina Chickadee Fledgling