On August 11, around 2.30 p.m at the Sholinganallur Perumbakkam Marshlands, the sun was as friendly as a splitting axe — that is, to this writer. In contrast, a muster of 41 painted storks was luxuriating in the blinding sunlight, having gathered for a mass preening ritual that was punctuated with open-wing displays. The shade attracts fish and this bird catches it.”The context at the Sholinganallur Perumbakkam Marshlands is of an entirely hue, being one of post-meal preening. The painted storks at the Sholinganallur Perumbakkam Marshkands were alternating between spreading their wings and preening themselves, suggesting that this process was at work. The painted stork’s breeding season is well past, and there are no mates to be won.

Source: The Hindu August 17, 2021 12:22 UTC