"O Sole Mio" by danob
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Description
Birds in various climates and all around the world indulge in sunning. This can be anything from simply standing with their backs to the sun with their feathers rustled up to expose the skin below, to a full sunbathing posture with wings and tail feathers spread out to maximize the area open to the sun, like this Bald Eagle.
Some birds such as pigeons will be on one side and raise a wing to the sun. Whatever the exact action, like 'smoke bathing' the causes, or benefits to the bird are a matter of supposition.
Obviously, in many cases the birds get warmth from the sun which reduces the amount of metabolic energy they have to expend in order to maintain a constant body temperature of around 40 degrees C.
However, some birds sunbathe in temperatures which are quite hot, in such circumstances sunbathing appears to leave them over-heated as they can be seen panting. Therefore, some scientists have theorized that the sun's warmth is important in helping dislodge feather parasites, or that the ultra-violet in sunlight helps turn some precursor molecule in the preening oil into vitamin D and that the bird's need this vitamin.
It is known that these precursor molecules exist in preening oil and that ultra-violet light will stimulate the conversion into vitamin D. What is not known is how well this happens on the bird's body and how important the amount of vitamin D created would be to the bird.
I have also seen other birds appearing to sunbathe but on closer inspection found it was an anthill they were sitting on I presume this behaviour was to make use of the insects own chemicals to kill off parasites..
Comments (43)
Janiss
Ohhh wonderfull yellow beak.... gorgeous!
Zorg1955
We always learn so much from your words Dany ....And the pleasure to look at so wonderfull captures ! Bravo again my friend ....
sharky_
Beautiful capture and much interesting information. Excellent. Aloha
Richardphotos
incredible focus and definition in it's feathers and beak.such a beautiful bird
mojo1917
view full size for maximum effect, wow, that is a wonderful capture. great shot.
Hendesse
Stunning shot with fascinating details. Looks absolutely impressive. Excellent high quality shot. Thanks for the interesting infos too!!
ArtModels
Fabulous capture here Danny:o) ArtModels - PJAJ
spm91g
Most excellent capture!! Hats off to you!!
mark.spooner
Fantastic capture! Love the detail and clarity!
bugatti
great, like always ...
1010
Gasp!!!! A masterpiece Danny!!!! Wow..........
ascrazy
superb portrait and fantastic shot as always:-)
BibbyBear
A stunning capture with so many details and brilliantly focused. Thanks for the info too, I never knew that about birds and my daughter will be interested to know it too as it will help with her college course and potential future career in the animal/bird industry. xx
vlaaitje
gorgeous details around his beak.....all those tiny feathers...love the background as well
elmurray
As usual, a perfect shot in every way. He may have beautiful plumage and a lovely coloured beak, but he looks a really unsociable fella!! Hence, the title, I suspect! Superb capture, Danny! Have a great weekend. Eileen xxx
Gammacrucis
Wonderful plumage of this bird, severe and proud look. Excellent capture ^__^
stuart83
Superb capture of this magestic bird, excellent information as well, I knew about the sunbathing, but didn't know the purpose for it. Stuart
LudyMelltSekher
{@}~>---Hello my dear friend, A wonderful Photography full of harmony and beauty. Fantastic work. Superbly done!! Congratulations!! It is a real luxury to visit your gallery. A million stars and applauses from me.** (Thanks you very much for the nice comments,they are very estimated for my) That this Friday be a beautiful day for you Hug and kiss in Your heart. Luminous blesing. Ludy@>--->---
Littlejock
Impressive pose, and colours... Great pic and reference.. Thank you
KarmaSong
Another fantastic capture and excellent frame.This bird is so expressive.A highly-rated shot for sure.
Shucoda
Awesome capture once again, I love these majestic creatures! Well done mate!
MrsLubner
beautiful eagle... on the other side... i love watching my pigeons after they bath. They tilt to one side, raise their wing and lift it until it nearly touches the ground behind them. They stay like that letting the sun hit them, warm and dry them. They usually will then flatten out and spread body, wings and tail out and lay that way for a few more minutes before finding a perch. :-)
RobyHermida
Fantastic capture! Dani!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Roby ;O)
MedTran39
Awesome! Super shot!
dragonmuse
Magnificent shot. I absolutely ove eagles.. I used to live where I would often see then spiraling high above. Have never seen one close like this though. thank you for taking the trouble to get such a wonderful picture.
iaacf
The 'classical' bird of prey and what a magnificent one this is.. Greeaat shot !
romanceworks
Such an intense and elegant creature. Wonderful shot. CC
Margana
What a tremendous capture! Fabulous! The detail, light,angle...all perfection....I'm not sure I love the crop/compo but everything in this shot is a-one all the way. Bravo, Danny!-M :^)
kenwas
Thank you!
RodolfoCiminelli
Fabulous and impressive portrait Daniel......!!!!!