Goh Pei Hao sent in a set of images of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) that he photographed on the afternoon (around 1430 hours) of 15th December 2010 at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (below left).
The Osprey was indulging in comfort behaviour, defined as activities to increase the physical comfort of the bird. Such activities include preening, oiling, head scratching and bathing in water, leaf and sand. These are specifically maintenance activities to keep the feathers in top performance.
Stretching of the wings to give a so-called “angel” pose (above right) is believed to help the bird tone the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Fanning of wing and tail feathers possibly help to air them (below).
