It’s going to be a scorcher this week in Vancouver. The news is full of dire sunstroke warnings, and tips on how to beat the heat.
The birds know what to do, and here is one of our backyard Northern Flickers to do a little demo for you.
Stick to cool, shady places. Preferably near water.
If the thermometer is really sky rocketing, it’s time to take the plunge.
Get thoroughly soaked. Feel your core temperature go down.
Aaah. Now that’s better.
This part of the flicker post-bathing behaviour might not be so advisable for humans.
I <3 Flickers
NOTE: In this hot dry weather, the birds may need a little help from us to stay cool and hydrated. If you have a bird bath, keep it clean and full. If not, a simple shallow container of water put out for the birds is a big help when there are no puddles to be found.
Apart from enviously watching the bathing birds, I’m working feverishly on putting together to 2018 City Crow Calendar. It’s coming together well. In fact, it would be done if not for the little anecdotes and smaller pictures I’m adding to spare spaces in the grid parts of the calendar.
Anyway, it should be off to the printer soon, and available to purchase on my web site by the beginning of September.
The cover model for the calendar will be … guess who?
Frazzled Mabel, naturally!
I love Flickers too! Especially that shock of orange- pink – red under their wings when they fly away… and that piercing call of theirs. Great pictures June!
Yes, Tannis – they really are amazing birds to see so often in the city. They almost look and sound as if they belong in the Amazon!