Winter bathing for the birds

Yesterday was a warm day after a week of bitter cold with temperatures in the 40's - a change of 60 degrees from the previous week.  The birds took advantage of the warmth to bathe and enjoy the partial sun of the day.

Along the Henrys Fork of the Snake River, I caught this Bald eagle drying off its wings after bathing along the edge of the river.  It held its wings in this position for about 30 minutes.

 

A couple miles farther up the river I found this American robin bathing along the ice.  There were a flock of about 100 of them enjoying the warmth of the day.

 

It appeared to be a little crazy, but it probably needed the bath.

 

This Steller's Jay is beating its wings to shake the excess water off.  Sometimes I wish I had videos of wildlife as they go through the acts that are natural to them.

 

I almost missed this shot as this Belted Kingfisher dove for a minnow.  It was unsuccessful and flew off to dry on a willow limb.

 

And as I was headed home, the distant Teton Peaks were shrouded in the blankets of clouds - they themselves trying to keep warm in the bitter cold air that surrounded them.

 

Just another day in the wilds of Idaho - and the Tetons in Wyoming, but viewed from Idaho.