Though scarlet tanagers favor the kind of oak-rich mixed forest that prevails around Farrar Pond, they hang about in treetops and—despite dramatic coloration—are not often seen. This male
Piranga olivacea
was apparently driven into view by extreme local drought and perhaps itchy feather mites
(note eye-protecting nictitating membrane here and below), two inconveniences with a common relief: a solar-powered shower bath:
Many so-called bird-baths are too deep to be useful except for drinking. Most guests at this spa appear to prefer just a fraction of an inch of immersion, perhaps in common with dust baths (which also get much use here in dry weather).
This does, however, require some contortions
to get deeper cleansing than the overhead spray produces.
Changing over to winter plumage in mid-August: a woolly bear warning of chills to come?
