anting

11.05.08
a female blackbird "anting".
This behaviour is part of many a bird species cleaning regime.
An ants nest is upset, the ants attack the perpetrator
with formic acid, this kills mites etc.
A dust bath or wash then finishes the job.

14.05.08
a young heron, something of a regular in the last few weeks.
There is something primeval and fascinating about these birds . . .