Early Morning Routine

Whilst walking along the Thames at Henley, I was watching the birds preening themselves. This Canada Goose stood on one leg for so long that I was beginning to think it had a damaged foot. However, it then changed feet and carried on cleaning its other side.

This Mute Swan spent fifteen minutes preening itself. This is very necessary for water birds, as poorly maintained feathers reduce buoyancy. It's fascinating watching some of the positions they can bend their long necks in to!