Not dead

[Colin Driscoll]

...but heat fumigating lice. An Australian Magpie spread out in about 60 degree heat on a pile of old lawn clippings.
I have posted something similar in the past but the activity always intrigues.
1DXII 400mm F/2.8L II & 2XIII 1/2500 f8 iso 800 -0.7 ev HH
Slight crop and sharpening.

[Isaac Grant]

Cool behavior you captured here. But the bird angled away is not ideal. Also the shot is too bright.

[greg cowle]

Interesting what birds do!

[Daniel Cadieux]

It is intriguing behaviour indeed. I've seen Mourning Doves do this in my parts as well. I do mind the bird angling away in this particular instance, but the harsh light was unfortunate.

[gail bisson]

Very very cool behavior that can probably only be captured in harsh light because that is when the ground is the warmest.
I just wish you had moved to your right to get the bird angled towards you a bit more.

[John Mack]

Sure does look dead. Nice behavior frame. The light is what it is.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very very cool behavior that can probably only be captured in harsh light because that is when the ground is the warmest.

Good point!

[Dorian Anderson]

Dude's just hungover! Never woulda thought he was alive! Super fun shot.

[Colin Driscoll]

Thanks for the comments, and yes the heat only builds up sufficiently in direct sunlight. As for angle, it was the best position to show the full spread. I just made sure i got the eye. I forgot to clarify that the temperature is 60 deg C (140 F).

[Arthur Morris]

Neat pose, do-f, and behavior. With the harsh light, you have greyed out the WHITEs especially on the rear of the bird.

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[Colin Driscoll]

Neat pose, do-f, and behavior. With the harsh light, you have greyed out the WHITEs especially on the rear of the bird.

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Thanks Artie, this is a juvenile from this year's breeding so comes ready made with greyed out whites.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Apologies for the missing word in my reply above above, but I meant to say I do NOT mind the bird angling away...I am OK with it here

[Colin Driscoll]

That's OK Daniel, I read what you meant.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Artie, this is a juvenile from this year's breeding so comes ready made with greyed out whites.

Hi Colin,

Sorry, I am not buying that :) After 17 years of digital I can tell the difference between greyed out WHITE feathers and grey feathers. Check out the bright WHITEs on the bird's left wing ...

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