July 28, 2010:
What do birds do when it rains?
If it’s storming they take shelter but during showers — even heavy ones — they’re willing to get wet.
In the National Aviary’s Wetlands Room there are sprinklers near the roof that turn on to simulate a tropical downpour. Have you ever been there when it “rains?” The birds react instantly. Most of them sing or shout, some fly through the water, others bathe. The room is filled with sound while the birds obviously enjoy themselves.
This month we’ve had some weather that’s felt mighty tropical, complete with brief downpours. During one of them Marcy Cunkelman photographed this rose-breasted grosbeak in her yard.
He doesn’t seem to mind the rain, does he? That’s probably because he lives in the tropics most of the year.
My goodness it was pouring!
(photo by Marcy Cunkelman)
I’ve been to the National Aviary when it rains! My better half and I took a special trip there from New York in April 2009. I had learned of the National Aviary through your blog, and as both of us are bird nuts, we made a weekend of it. That rose-breasted grosbeak has managed to look quite majestic and stately, despite being a bit soggy. Cute!