View allAll Photos Tagged preening
these ants were by our pool in Portugal, very big compared to UK ones and had big jaws. one morning there were these two pairs, didn't look like they were fighting or mating, but. more like preening. lasted about 20 mins then they separated and went their separate ways.
Just as I was about to leave the beach in Waterford (still unaware that I had left the camera at ISO1600 while testing a new lens!) this Great Egret (Ardea alba) flew to one of the pilings and proceeded to preen his beautiful coat for a minute and take off again.
There were three or four of these birds in the area for most of the hour that I was there. I will have to return tomorrow with the camera set to a realistic ISO.
First thank you all for your patience and indulgence, but after hunting, feeding and washing they preen, and in my HO he picked a great place to do it. This is the last of this species folks, have a great Sunday, be safe and thanks for stopping in.
A Grey Heron preening his feathers on the edge of the Fergus River, Ennis, County Clare.
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Wild hobby (Falco subbuteo) having a good stretch and a preen, following an afternoon spent hunting dragonflies over the marsh pools below. Arne, Dorset, UK.
Filmed late last summer. I forgot I had it in my archive. So here it is.
Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and Lyn (Homo sapiens)
I'm the lucky preen-ee. (It tickles!) She 'nibbles' up my arm and into my hair. I believe I am the only one she does this to. Other people she just pecks or bites. I wear that big glove not because her feet are particularly dangerous but because she can't balance on my thin arm. (and her feet are disgustingly dirty ... just think of what they stand on and eat.) I do not recommend getting this close to a vulture -- they are wild animals and are not particularly friendly. I am fortunate (and so very thankful) to have developed a relationship with an exceptional and unusual bird.
See my wildlife clinic set for more info about my volunteer work (aka obsession/unpaid job).
Thanks for the great photo, Tom!
©2008 T. Adelman
v. preened, preen·ing, preens
v.tr.
1.
a. To smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak or bill.
b. To trim or clean (fur) with the tongue, as cats do.
2. To dress or groom (oneself) with elaborate care; primp.
3. To take pride or satisfaction in (oneself); gloat.
v.intr.
1. To dress up; primp.
2. To swell with pride; gloat or exult.
Preening at Hove Lagoon, East Sussex, UK. This bird, a rare visitor to the UK (perhaps 200 birds a year) appeared 4 days ago and seems to be feeding on blood worms in the paddling pool. Known as Red Phalarope in the USA, as the female develops red plumage in the breeding season. This bird is an adult in winter plumage.
IMG_0393
Egyptian geese (Alopochen Aegyptiaca) preening
Warmer Damm Park, Wiesbaden, Germany.
The Egyptian Goose, a striking and noisy species introduced to England in the 17th century, has recently expanded beyond its former stronghold in Norfolk. From an estimated population of around 900 in 1991—mostly in East Anglia—it has since spread to London, the Home Counties, and is likely to move into the East Midlands. It breeds early in the year, nesting in large, hollow trees, with males remaining nearby during incubation.
Ornithology, British Trust for. ‘Egyptian Goose’. BTO - British Trust for Ornithology, 7 April 2015. www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/egyptian-goose.
Monday June 27th 2010
Preening must be another instinctive activity as we have watched our birds even at the down covered stage running their little bills amongst the fuzz. Birds in general spend a lot longer than most creatures preening as their body covering is not just there for warmth and camouflage but is integral to their ability to fly. If you’ve ever picked up a feather you will know how satisfying it is to smooth it out and to make sure any gaps are ‘zipped up’.
Most birds have a uropygial or preen gland that secretes oil to make them waterproof . This Canada Goose on Derwent water has feathers that moisture will just run off. Ospreys, despite the fact they plunge dive, are not so well coated - but look at the chick in the video below. Although it’s unable to get down to the Lake, it’s having a really good stand up dry-wash. When the rain started again this afternoon it was all set up with its shower-proof feather anorak. As well as this the act of preening removes lice and other parasites that cling to the feathers, the oil assists in reducing their grip and also contains anti-bacterial agents. Our own sebaceous glands work in a similar fashion, so perhaps in the face of the drought we should take an environmentally friendly leaf out of their books and just buff up with a dry cloth 2 or 3 times a day!
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Plum Island, MA
birdwatchingdaily.com/blog/2013/12/24/photo-showcase-11-s...
Cedar wax wings preening in the morning sun. A bit of frost on the grass this morning and a flock of wax wings waiting to warm up.
Thanks to Miss Tiggywinkle for naming this bird for me. We had great fun walking around the shores of Sydney Harbour
www.flickr.com/photos/62267983@N06/6852879762/in/photostream
Australian Darter, or Oriental Darter, Anhinga Novaehollandiae