I’ve observed Great Blue Heron parents stand in poses over the nest and chicks that must serve some function. Are they trying to shield the small chicks that have settled down out of sight from the wind or maybe concentrate the warmth of the sun? Is it just comfortable after laying on the nest for hours?
At this same nest eleven days later, it wasn’t windy and the chicks were sitting up. At first I thought the adult was just stretching, but then the wings went into this same purposeful sail-like arrangement.
Sometimes it is just a stretch…wing out, wing down, leg up, and hold, 2, 3, 4.
Aerobic time! hee hee I’ve seen single GBHs fold open their wings numerous times, always wondered if they were absorbing heat or drying off. No matter why, it must feel comfortable! 🙂
Interesting, I hadn’t thought of drying, which might fit as this bird had just come back to the nest. And as awkward as it looks it must work for them if they keep doing it!