YCNH Taking in some rays?

[John Hawkins]

I captured this on 4/27/2008 at 80 AM while at JN "Ding" Darling NWR. I have never seen them do this before. I used my Sony Alpha100 with a Sigma 50-500mm set at f/6.3 at 500mm ISO 200 exposure 0ev shutter speed 1/500. Thanks for looking, John

[Thonnaksar NOP]

He's probably drying his wings.
Interesting posture indeed and the focus is spot on.
The light seems a little bit harsh and there is a small hot spot on the head.

[John Chardine]

Some birds "sun" like this to raise the temperature of their plumage to a level that is fatal to ectoparasites like feather lice and ticks. Species doing this tend to be dark-plumaged.

Great capture of behaviour but the image needs more room at the top, is quite contrasty, and looks a little soft on my monitor. All/some may be fixable depending upon what you have for an original.

[Fabs Forns]

Some birds "sun" like this to raise the temperature of their plumage to a level that is fatal to ectoparasites like feather lice and ticks. Species doing this tend to be dark-plumaged.

Thanks for the explanation, John, I've seen this behavior and you are right, usually is on darker plumage. Any reason the white birds don't do it?
Maybe more sensitive skin under the feathers?

Agre it needs more room on top and bottom and wish he was not squinting.

[John Chardine]

Fabs- Light/white birds reflect too much heat radiation and are not able to get the temperature up to a level needed to kill the parasites.

[Fabs Forns]

Fabs- Light/white birds reflect too much heat radiation and are not able to get the temperature up to a level needed to kill the parasites.

And somehow they know this!!!! Clever birds, aren't they?????

Thanks!