[neilep (OP)]

Dear Bird and Rain Experts ( Bird bRAINs ?)

This is a Swallow:

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Nice isn't it ? Notice how non-rained-upon but grumpy he looks !

...that's probably because he's not looking forward to the prospect of flying through this:

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

What I would like to know is:

Can he safely fly through this rain ?....would he normally fly above the clouds ?....If birds have trouble flying through rain then a storm while migrating across oceans must be very perilous yes ?...especially if they're not swimming birds.

How do birds cope with the rain when in flight ?

...and what about their sight ?...does it not get in their eyes?

[paul.fr]

I just noticed this topic, Neil.

Seeing as nobody else has contributed i will attempt an answer. Birds can and do fly in the rain, their feathers are oily which repels water.  Also, their bones are hollow, so they can afford to get a little wet and this will not add too much to their weight.

[DoctorBeaver]

I've been watching the swallows at the stable yard and they most certainly do fly in heavy rain.

[neilep (OP)]

I just noticed this topic, Neil.

Seeing as nobody else has contributed i will attempt an answer. Birds can and do fly in the rain, their feathers are oily which repels water.  Also, their bones are hollow, so they can afford to get a little wet and this will not add too much to their weight.

I thank you for noticing this topic !...at last !! []

So, saving getting struck by lightning or getting caught in a rather heavy hail storm, I can safely tick this off my list of things to worry about at night !..Good !!..only 7564 items to go !

THANKS PAUL....I appreciate your answer....can I just add a quicky..?..ooh !!..does the cavernous-echo-chamber nature of a Swallows bones replicate itself amongst all birds ?...even Ostriches ?...

[neilep (OP)]

I've been watching the swallows at the stable yard and they most certainly do fly in heavy rain.

My gratitude is fervently sent your way in a happy abundance of luff and joy !

[paul.fr]

does the cavernous-echo-chamber nature of a Swallows bones replicate itself amongst all birds ?...even Ostriches ?...

ermmm, i don't know that one. i just remember the inital answer from school. we were more interested in girls and catching things from toilet seats to worry about ostriches.

[neilep (OP)]

does the cavernous-echo-chamber nature of a Swallows bones replicate itself amongst all birds ?...even Ostriches ?...

ermmm, i don't know that one. i just remember the inital answer from school. we were more interested in girls and catching things from toilet seats to worry about ostriches.

That's ok...hopefully a bird bone eggspert will perch on the post and answer....I may start a new thread about it !

[acosully]

i think its wonderful how this topic has spanned the years if any of you were still wondering, though some flightless birds such as penguins and ostriches have solid bones, most birds do have very light, hollow bones.

[neilep (OP)]

i think its wonderful how this topic has spanned the years if any of you were still wondering, though some flightless birds such as penguins and ostriches have solid bones, most birds do have very light, hollow bones.

..and I think it's wonderful that you have kindly answered the final question for which I am eternally grateful with a gratifying air of curiosity satiated !

[neilep (OP)]

....to think...I've been sitting here all these years tapping my fingers ( on my now very warn out desk) keeping an eye on this topic every single minute of every day since....THANK YOU !

[Don_1]

You stupid boy! (in Capt Mainwaring fashion)

Have you never heard of the umbrella bird