Blackbird Sunning (Turdus merula)

Another hot day if not sunny all day. While I was sitting outside cooling off I spotted this female Blackbird sunning under a hedge.

The purpose of sunning isn't known and in the UK Blackbirds have been observed sunning more than any other species. A bird sunning will lie often in unusual positions and fluff it feathers up turning towards the sun.

There are a number of theories as to why it is done but no proof of any being correct. Some of the theories are: That it has something to do with feather condition maintenance. It helps in temperature control or even just they enjoy it.