Floofing cuteness of contentment preening session, possibly smartening up for a guy or gal close enough to take note, or simply relaxing straightening out feathers.
Flex your muscles there is an art in detailed preening session, maintain feathers using beaks to clear out parasites, spread necessary oil from special gland for insulation or waterproofing. Some really difficult maneuvers obtaining correct result.
Similar to our using sunscreen for outdoor protection or moisturizing lotions birds have "the uropygial gland found in most birds protects them from water penetration, fungi, and bacteria by producing preen waxes."
When you witness these acrobatic performances give thought to how we keep ourselves maintained when twisting and turning or finding the right tools to keep clean. Basic hygiene found in living things wherever you peek.
Male and Female Pin-tailed Whydah are back, daily antics on display yet I do wonder how he maintains exceptionally long tail feathers.
Little lady has her own striking feathers nothing like his, trusting earth tones to blend well into nature.
Bird preening therapy for a human is almost hypnotic, holds your attention keeping you focused on them more than ourselves which we do too often. Treat the practice as slowing yourself down into moment of meditation being one through their gentle, repetitive motions to reduce your stress and anxiety.
Have a great stretch through the month of November! You can also relate to Ptiloerection as a human having goose bumps.
All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS. Absolutely no AI here!
Thought for Today: "No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow." - African Proverb
@barbara-orenya