Magpie sunning behaviour

["Dr Richard Nowotny" <>]

Twice in the past week I have seen separate Australian Magpies spread-eagled
in a golf-course bunker (described by my two non-birder co-players on one
occasion as looking like a "dead penguin" from a distance). The bird has
selected the face of the bunker which enables it to be full-on to the sun
from behind.

I assume this is associated in some way with feather maintenance and/or
parasite control. I don't have access to HANZAB at present (and don't know
if the behaviour is described there anyway) - can someone shed some
scientific light on this interesting and rather spectacular activity,
please.

With thanks

Richard NOWOTNY

Port Melbourne, Victoria

 

 

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