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Birding/Robins at bird bath in fall before migration

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Expert: Julia Booth - 10/11/2008


Question
Why do robins love the bird baths in fall before migration? Blue jays seem to like baths at this time too.

Answer
It's my understanding that the desire to bathe isn't associated with any time specifically, unless it's related to their molt. Molting can cause discomfort, which might be alleviated by the bathing. The presence of mites or insects on the bird also result in a desire to bathe, either in water or in dusty-dirt.

I know that birds often look for baths during their migration. But I am unaware of any connection between their migration pattern and their desire to bathe.

Hope this helps,

Julia

Birding

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Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

Organizations
Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

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