Preening and Sunning
Migration is hard on feathers. Hummers care for their feathers using their bills and claws. They obtain oil from a gland near their tail and groom each feather. The head and neck are groomed by using their claws like a comb or by rubbing against a twig. They sunbathe by facing the sun and fluffing out their feathers. They may also spread their neck and tail or spread one wing and then the other to catch the sun. All the while, the tiny birds are alert for dangers like small raptors and other predators.

"They also seem to be enjoying flying back and forth through the sprinklers, then stopping on plants to shake and preen their wings."
Stuart C., Glengary, WVA  09/17/14

Caren Mack, Irving Texas, September 15, 2014