Our signature class, the Hawk Walk, allows for a unique and intimate window into the innate behaviors of raptors. One of the most unique is to experience them sunbathing. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy bird. All raptors have a uropygial gland at the base of their tail that creates oil containing a precursor for Vitamin D. Birds will dip their beak into the oil, then preen it through their feathers. When exposed to the ultraviolet light, it is changed into Vitamin D3. For efficiency, birds will spread their wing and tail feathers out, laying on the ground.This posture increases the surface area exposed to the sun’s rays, showing off feathers to their fullest. It is a behavior common in birds but rare to catch a glimpse of in the wild. The sun’s heat also serves to kill tiny mites and lice or activate them so they may be easily preened out. This preening process is also how raptors can absorb the newly created Vitamin D3. This chain of events improves the overall health and wellness of birds.
For a chance to see this behavior up-close, join us for a Hawk Walk. Click here to view calendar dates and book directly. We look forward to hosting you for this unique raptor encounter!