Rainy Summer Days

I often marvel at how well birds handle these continuous rainy days. A mother bird sitting on a nest as rain pours down is the picture of patience and devotion. After several years of drought, we have had a very wet spring and early summer here in the Brazos Valley. These storm-filled days make it hard on aerial insectivores that must catch their prey in the air. Parent birds must protect young nestlings that have not yet developed feathers for water protection. The interlocking barbs and barbules of a feather give a bird amazing waterproofing. Birds spend a great amount of time preening their feathers, which includes spreading an oily substance from their preen or uropygial gland over their feathers. This substance helps preserve the integrity of the feathers and keeps the barbs and barbules in good condition, thereby maintaining their waterproofing. There is no end to the marvels of nature. Outside my window, hummingbirds are zipping around and visiting the feeders and flowers. The rain is coming down hard, but they are still intent on defending territories and food supplies. So while I watch the rain pour down from the comfort of my home, I acknowledge that this weather is for the birds, but the birds and I are looking forward to sunny skies.