This is typical sunbathing behavior- a way for birds to remove 
ectoparasites (mites, etc). Common for most species this time of year.

Paul Woodward
Fairfax City, VA

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "JAMES WILSON" <>
To: <>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 8:00 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Great Crested Flycatcher Behavior


> 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