Birds of Kentucky: Great Blue Heron
2019-07-14 - Shelby Co., KY - Photo by Pen
According to All About Birds, "Great Blue Herons have specialized feathers on their chest that continually grow and fray. The herons comb this 'powder down' with a fringed claw on their middle toes, using the down like a washcloth to remove fish slime and other oils from their feathers as they preen. Applying the powder to their underparts protects their feathers against the slime and oils of swamps." Comments | Permalink
2019-07-14 - Shelby Co., KY - Photo by Pen
According to All About Birds, "Great Blue Herons have specialized feathers on their chest that continually grow and fray. The herons comb this 'powder down' with a fringed claw on their middle toes, using the down like a washcloth to remove fish slime and other oils from their feathers as they preen. Applying the powder to their underparts protects their feathers against the slime and oils of swamps." Comments | Permalink