[Kakowet2]

Hello, My Dad found 2 blue tits lying on a suburban path yesterday during the daytime, when the temperature was below freezing. He initially thought they were dead, until he took a closer look and could see them breathing. He didn't want to leave them there incase a cat or dog got them or even stepped on by a human. He went to pick them up and they just flew off, as though there was nothing wrong with them at all. Does anyone have any idea what could have caused such unusual behaviour? There was a tree branch overhanging above, could they have fallen from it?
Thank you

[Jos Stratford]

When sub-zero, I overy rarely get birds do similar, a temporary torpor. All puffed out, I suppose they are simply conserving energy by not moving. Why on the ground though I don't know.

[Bird_Bill]

If it was a paved path,might of been soaking in residual warmth that pavement holds for awhile.

[fugl]

Originally Posted by Bird_Bill

If it was a paved path,might of been soaking in residual warmth that pavement holds for awhile.

That was my thought also. It common for birds to become almost comatose when "sunning" in this way.