American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla - adult male anting
This same bird as in the previous photo decided that I was no threat. So he had an extended "anting" session in the sun. I did not see ants crawling over the bird but they were crawling on the ground. The most numerous species of ant that inhabits the park, the Western Thatching Ant, Formica obscuripes, is known to spray formic acid at intruders. Perhaps the bird was purposely interfering with the ants to goad them into spraying him. The formic acid would be an effective insecticide. I have never before seen one of these usually shy birds so boldly expose itself. Moore's Meadow Park, Prince George, BC. June 11, 2015.
American Redstart - Setophaga ruticilla - adult male anting
This same bird as in the previous photo decided that I was no threat. So he had an extended "anting" session in the sun. I did not see ants crawling over the bird but they were crawling on the ground. The most numerous species of ant that inhabits the park, the Western Thatching Ant, Formica obscuripes, is known to spray formic acid at intruders. Perhaps the bird was purposely interfering with the ants to goad them into spraying him. The formic acid would be an effective insecticide. I have never before seen one of these usually shy birds so boldly expose itself. Moore's Meadow Park, Prince George, BC. June 11, 2015.