At 4:30 this afternoon, I watched up to 5 Great Crested Flycatchers doing 
some unusual behavior on the roof of my mini-barn.  The shingles are a light 
color and at 4:30 they were in full sun.

I first noticed 2 Great Crested sitting on the roof in the sun.  With my 
bins, I was able to watch them sitting with tail spread, wings about 1/2 
open, head up and beak open.  The wings and tail looked like they were 
pressed against the roof.  They were soon joined by 3 other Great Crested (a 
possible family? - I am pretty sure they nested in the yard or close by) 
doing the same behavior.  I watched off and on for about 15 minutes.  They 
would all fly off, return in ones and twos, fly off, etc.but continue doing 
this prostrated posture.
I have seen birds "anting" and this looked similar.  There could have been 
ants on the roof but they would have been mighty warm ants.
Any ideas?
Jim Wilson
Queenstown