Birds bathing

During separate visits to friends and relatives, I was privileged to witness and capture some images of birds taking advantage of bird baths on very warm late January days - a very good place to be. Notable also for several instances of different types being quite comfortable sharing the space - necessities of nature being shown off.  

This first set was in the garden of friends in Wollongbar. It was a treat to be able to get so close for these photos and noticeable to me that it was a lone bird - we are used to pairs of these frequenting our front bird bath twice a day very regularly at home. One always watching and chirping warnings or clearances that it is OK, the other bathing (or quickly taking off into foliage). The first four photos show a lone brown thornbill contemplating taking the plunge, in the bath, enjoying the coolness and finally taking a moment to shake dry and think about going again. The tiny size of these constantly moving birds is evident from the context.

This next sequence was in Grafton and shows to ubiquitous feral pigeons even finding solace in the cool water of the bird bath. Then a house sparrow waiting its turn once the Indian (common) myna was done and finally another house sparrow deciding with a brown honeyeater who would be next to dive in! Simple pleasures on a hot day!