Bird uses body as dam to save chicks

[gbird]

From Telegraph.co.uk

The Mistle Thrush had built her nest on top of a downpipe, blocking the water's passage and causing the gutter to flood.But desperate to protect her young, she puffed herself up to twice her size and sat in the drainpipe to stop the tide of rain water swamping the nest.


The female thrush's body is semi-submerged in the water of the gutter as she holds back the flow, protecting the nest and her chicks

She was so occupied with her task that her mate was left to feed her and their young.
The images were captured by amateur wildlife photographer Dennis Bright at a house in Fareham, Hampshire.
Mr Bright said he was astounded by the female bird's behaviour.
"The nest was tucked away from the weather in the shade of the roof but it was so close to the downpipe the gutter flooded when it rained.
"It was only a matter of seconds before the pipe flooded, and water cascaded over the sides."
Mr Bright said he was amazed by the bird's ingenuity.
"She had to come up with a solution so she puffed herself up so she was twice the size of her mate and used her body as a cork to stop the water - it was absolutely amazing.
"She was very dedicated, sitting there even when the rain was hammering down. Then every half an hour she would get out, dry herself off and come back.
"The male was doing most of the work - feeding her and the chicks when she was sitting in the pipe. I feel so lucky to have witnessed something so rare and unique."
Hester Phillips, from the RSPB, said she had never seen such a situation.
"We've heard of them nesting in some unusual sites before, namely on the top of traffic light, but we've certainly not come across anything like this before.
"Birds can be amazingly hardy creatures, their endurance is incredible - especially when protecting their young."

[expressmailtome]

That is a great story and picture! She is a great mom!

Matt

[jenniferag]

well my goodness, what an awesome mother she is! What an amazing story....thank you for sharing

[hollyhawkz]

Thank you gbird!

You always find really nice articles about birds!

[asulli]

Amazing! Great parents working together for the good of their offspring!

[Buteo]

Most Mommas in nature can be very resourceful when it comes to their babies.

[jayyybirdddd]

oh wow! this picture is a lot to look at when you know the story, this is amazing! birds are so smart.