Wednesday, June 28, 2017

28/06/2017 We have had rain at last - Bath-time!

Maximum temperature 20C  minimum 14C.  29 km/h SW winds 40 km/h gusts. 12 mm rain measured this morning and it is raining again as I type this.
Mr Blackbird (Turdus merula) contemplating bath time...

wonder who is watching...

That feels good...

and even better...

Splish splash...

Just checking...

maybe I need a bit more...

splashing around...

making sure those flight feathers are in perfect order...

and having a good scratch.

This rain drop looks a bit like an evil eye to me !!

Last but not least a Hummingbird Hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum).

12 comments:

  1. American Robin is in the same genus and similarly bathes with great gusto. Must be a characteristic of turdus species.

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    1. David our sparrows also bathe with great gusto.... Think they just have fun. Diane

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  2. What gorgeous and amazing action shots, Diane!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Linda, I know you love the birds bathing. Diane

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  3. OMGosh! That bathing blackbird put on an outstanding show. Makes me wish for a swimming pool to splash around in.

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    1. I agree with that, but after having one for many years in South Africa, it is too much hassle to look after for the short time here that you can swim in it!!! Diane

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  4. Gosh you can capture some amazing shots. Well done. I guess the bird is not the only one pleased to see the rain.

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    1. We are very happy to see it but after another day it looks like it will dry up again!!! Mind you the forecast is not always right!! Hope all is well Diane

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  5. Love, love, love these captures Diane! It always makes me think of that expression 'dance like no one's watching' when I see birds splashing about in gay abandon like this. Beautiful crisp images. I see you put a rock in the middle of the birdbath too!

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    1. The rock is there in case we are away. They remove the water very quickly and the 'bath' is only plastic, with no weight in it the wind will remove it to next door :-)) Thanks for the comment Grace. Take care Diane

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  6. Lovely photos as usual Diane. Doesn't the blackbird look very like the Indian Mynahs found in SA?

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    1. Hi Kim, Not really alike although probably close to the same size. While the mynah has a black head and a browner body, the male blackbird is all black other than the yellow beak, and only a ring of yellow around its eye. The mynah has more yellow around its eye and white wing patches. The female blackbird though is all brown. It is also a fabulous songbird which I do not recall the mynah being. They are also not so invasive! Take care Diane

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