There was a short cold spell last week when the air temperature remained below freezing all day. The sun set in a clear sky and it was clearly going to be a chilly night. As the light began to fade, a wren which had been feeding around the pond, leaped into the shallows and proceeded to have a good bath. It ducked its breast into the water and whirred its wings, scattering droplets everywhere. Then it flew into a bush and had a thorough preen, finally shaking its feathers into place. A cold bath before a freezing night would seem to be a recipe for disaster for a tiny bird. But there may be method in its madness. Small birds survive long nights by being well-fed and well-insulated. My wren's bath was part of the process of ensuring the plumage is in the best condition to keep it warm. Bathing is a commonplace activity for birds but its function is something of a mystery. It is often assumed to be to clean the plumage. It seems more likely that the feathers are wetted to make them supple and facilitate the preening that takes place after bathing. Bird books state that bathing is an essential activity and that we must ensure that our birdbaths are always topped-up with clean water. Yet I am puzzled because, if bathing is so important and increases a bird's chances of survival by improving the condition of its plumage, why don't we see more birds bathing? I don't think anyone has studied how frequently an individual bird takes a bath but I get the impression that some species are reluctant to take the plunge. P.S. I know it's a song thrush but it's the only photo I have got of bathing!
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