More soaking up the rays

This afternoon I noticed more sunning activity in the garden from both Robins and Blackbirds. Several of them adopted the 'crash landing' pose which can look quite comical. This sunbathing is important for feather maintenance and birds often expose their preen gland in the process. This is also thought to be important for the production of vitamin D.

Juvenile Robin sunbathing.

Juvenile Robin sunbathing.

Adult Blackbird sunbathing.

Juvenile Blackbird sunbathing.