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AIBU?

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Are birds waterproof?

93 replies

Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 15:18

I'm sitting looking at 3 wood pigeons sitting in a tree in the lashing rain.
It's a bare branch, why don't they go into where there's more coverage?
Does it not annoy them?
I'm getting pissed off on their behalf Grin

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Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 15:35

Ohh fancy Flouncy. How did you know it was a startling and not a fat dove?

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Fuzzyend · 17/07/2019 15:36

So when they have dust baths does all the dust get stuck in their wax? Eurgh - gritty.....

Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 15:36

Wth? 2 have flew off and are now frolicking in a puddle.
The other one is still in the tree getting poofier by the minute.
She's at least doubled in size.

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le1la · 17/07/2019 15:37

I just googled - every day is a school day! Never thought about it before :) ww2.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/ask-an-expert/previous/pigeonpowder.aspx

MonkeyToesOfDoom · 17/07/2019 15:37

Those poor pigeons were just thinking,
"I wish she'd stop watching us so we can get our brollies out"
"Well I did tell you not to buy the My Little Pony ones, I knew they'd be embarrassing"
"Shush, she's still watching and now she's typing on a keyboard..."

flouncyfanny · 17/07/2019 15:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BarbaraofSeville · 17/07/2019 15:40

What I want to know, after watching ducks swim around in semi frozen lakes in the winter, is do they get cold when they do this.

Also, after being awoken by the 4 am seagull dawn chorus on a recent holiday, do birds who wake from dawn until dusk, whatever time that is, get tired in the summer when they are awake for about 18 hours a day?

IveGotBillsTheyreMultiplying · 17/07/2019 15:40

So birds are waxy like a Barbour jacket. I'm waterproof and breathable just like gortex Smile

Mrsjayy · 17/07/2019 15:41

Aww frizzy pigeons Grin my neighbour throws out scraps for birds all we have is seagulls in the afternoon

Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 15:41

40 starlings!? Shock
I imagine a bird would be better of with the umbrella you wear on your head.

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Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 15:44

Don't start me on the dawn chorus. Since when has 1.50 in the morning been dawn? Bastard magpies.
Tbf they don't do much in a day Barbara.

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flouncyfanny · 17/07/2019 15:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

pelirocco123 · 17/07/2019 15:46

Cormorants are waterproof , they are merely wettable ....apparently

Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 15:59

Not fat, poofy.

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Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 16:00

Puffins are waterproof but they are the superior bird in every way.

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Mrsjayy · 17/07/2019 16:03

Baby puffins are called Pufflings !

DeadBod · 17/07/2019 16:05

Does anyone remember the thread about Paul the pigeon getting spray painted Grin

Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 16:06

I know! 😍

Are birds waterproof?
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Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 16:06

I do DeadBod Grin

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MrsTerryPratchett · 17/07/2019 16:07
Mrsjayy · 17/07/2019 16:07

Oh god look at it !

Cocolapew · 17/07/2019 16:09

Poor Benedict 😆

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PettyContractor · 17/07/2019 16:51

I saw some moorhens swimning the other day, one had a few drops of water on its back. Each drop was a self-contained little ball that looked like it had no desire to break up and soak in.

You see the same behaviour of water on a waxed car, the wax seems to repel the water so it slides across the surface without spreading out and sticking. So I guess the moorhens have waxed feathers.

PickAChew · 17/07/2019 17:00

I love our blackbirds when they've had a splash in the bird bath. They look like they've been dragged through a hedge backwards! Resident eoodpiggy just has a drink in it then turns round and shits in it.

PickAChew · 17/07/2019 17:01

Woodpiggy