Woodpigeon sunning ?

[mikecampbell]

I have just seen a Woodpigeon land on the patio then go on one side resting on its wing edge. It then put the other wing up in the air. The paving stones are warm from the sunny day. The bird was two feet from a bird bath where other birds were splashing about. Was the bird 'sunning' or trying to catch some water spray from the nearby splashing ? Anyone seen this before as I haven't. Any comments ?

[burhinus]

I have observed several species doing the wing bit but never near water. I have always thought that they were sunning themselves. Blackbirds do it alot in my garden.

burhinus

[Wingwatcher]

Hi, I have seen birds do a similar action called "anting", where the bird will allow ants onto its body in order to kill the bird's aphids and other little nasties. Like a dirt bath.