March 13, 2016 - Texas - Mockingbird Bathing

At the photo workshop I recently attended in Texas, we set up our cameras in blinds beside small pools of water. This Northern Mockingbird decided it was time for a bath.

MockingbirdNorthernbathingLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217

It stood near the shallow edge of the pool, dipped down into the water, and used its wings to splash water all over its body.

MockingbirdNorthernbathingLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217

The water is really flying in this photo. The Mockingbird has its head turned to the side. Notice the eye, which looks kind of opaque. Birds have a second eyelid, called the nictitating membrane, and it is transparent. It can be closed to protect the eye and the bird can still see through the membrane. This nictitating membrane comes in handy when a bird is bathing.

MockingbirdNorthernbathingLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217

A bird’s feathers must be kept in good shape so it’s important to get the dirt and debris washed off regularly.

MockingbirdNorthernbathingLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217

The Mockingbird’s feathers are really getting wet in this photo.

MockingbirdNorthernbathingLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217

The bath is over; time to do some serious preening and get the feathers dried off.

MockingbirdNorthernbathingLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217

For comparison, here’s another Mockingbird photo I took at the workshop showing its normal, sleek appearance.

MockingbirdNorthernLagunaSecaRanchEdinburg20160217