By doing this, they can remove parasites and excess oil from their feathers. As with water bathing, they will also preen carefully after sand bathing. Observing eastern turtledoves or rock pigeons, you may see that they sometimes sit on the ground and spread their wings and tails to expose them to the sun. There are thought to be several reasons for this. For example, it helps control body temperature by warming up their bodies, it stimulates production of vitamin D, it lets oil spread on the feathers more easily, and it makes the skin healthier.
Some people point out that it makes parasites more active and therefore easier to find.
Cormorants need to dry their feathers in the sun after diving to regain the necessary level of waterproofing. That is why you often see Japanese cormorants and common cormorants sunbathing by spreading their wings to full span. You have already learned about binoculars and birdwatching. Now, let's go into the field and observe the beautiful wild birds. The many pleasures of watching wild birds One attractive point of birdwatching is that you can do it nearly anywhere.