Starling Takes a Bath

Starling Takes a Bath



Starling Takes a Bath

This is a European Starling,Sternavulgaris. An occasional bath helps it maintain its glossy splendor. I came upon a starling splashing at the edge of a pond in Brooklyn, in New York City. After getting wet, he flew into a tree and shook and preened methodically for a few minutes, pictured below. Click on the photos to enlarge.

2

Shaking.

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Shaking harder.

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Preening right.

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Preening left.

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Stretching and erecting the feathers.

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Preening right again.

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Preening left again.

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Erecting everything again.

end
The starling eventually flew to a higher branch, spread its wings, and sat in the sun to dry.
Julie Feinstein

Julie Feinstein

I am a Collection Manager at the American Museum of Natural History, an author, and a photographer. I live in New York City. I recently published my first popular science book, Field Guide to Urban Wildlife, an illustrated collection of natural history essays about common animals. I update my blog, Urban Wildlife Guide, every Sunday.

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Julie Feinstein

Julie Feinstein

I am a Collection Manager at the American Museum of Natural History, an author, and a photographer. I live in New York City. I recently published my first popular science book, Field Guide to Urban Wildlife, an illustrated collection of natural history essays about common animals. I update my blog, Urban Wildlife Guide, every Sunday.

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