Basking blackbird

This bird is really into getting the rays.

We see him taking every opportunity to relax

but today is the first time I have been able to catch him

on camera, taking a brief siesta on next door's shed roof.

First he swivels round to catch the sun on his back,

then he slumps down and spreads first his tail 

and then his wings.

He fluffs up his feathers,

his eyes glaze over and if he is really zoned out

his beak gapes.

He will stay in this position for long enough to look

very vulnerable to attack,

but I am told that they are still on full alert and 

their acute hearing will warn them of danger.

The purpose of this behaviour is to help to spread

the preen oil throughout the feathers

and to drive the parasites out from the plumage,

but it is possible that they also just enjoy

the warmth of the sun.

The sun was rather elusive today

but I hear there will be a brief return

 to high temperatures later in the week.

It might be the last chance to top up the Vitamin D.