23 June 2024
Yesterday morning when the heat index was 96°F, Carla sunbathed for 20 minutes at the Pitt peregrine nest. Her fanned tail shows us why she was doing it. Not only does sunbathing kill feather lice, it eases the discomfort of molting. Carla is molting her tail feathers two at a time.
Carla began her sunbathing session after she and Ecco bowed briefly over the scrape. She might have stayed longer but her youngster “Blue” showed up. Carla and Ecco are both avoiding their “kids” in an effort to make them independent.
Carla and Ecco bow at the nest, 26 June 2024 11:26am
(photos from the National Aviary snapshot camera at Univ of Pittsburgh)
This summer you might see songbirds looking stunned on your lawn or roof. They’ll be molting too.
Aaaaaah, that feels good.