Grooming

This little chaffinch is quite happy to sit above us on a sunlit tree branch, performing a lengthy and elaborate grooming session. Fluffing feathers, shaking out wings, pecking out imperfections or grubs; he clearly wants to impress someone special. 

Maybe all this activity results in an itch, or perhaps the foot-to-chin manoeuvre is a final touch to get those face feathers perfectly prepared for his romantic assignation. 

More grooming in the extra!