Ash bath?

[question everything]

Winter swooped fast and furious so have not got around to empty the ash tray below the Weber. But did set the heated bath.

Thus, I was amused to see earlier a sparrow enjoying a bath in the ash. Again and again. Quite happy.

[luvs2sing]

1. I have seen birds take dust baths in dry weather. nt

[question everything]

2. Yes, I know. Often in the sand. I was curious about the ash

since it may have different chemicals composition..

[luvs2sing]

3. It will be very alkaline.

That’s all I can offer.

[2naSalit]

4. I think they may do that to kill mites.

Birds get mites and I would imagine dust or ash could help give them relief from the nasty little critters... and possibly other crawly things under their feathers. The first time I ever saw large grouse a pair were taking an ash bath in my wood stove ash pile out past the shed. They were as big as chickens and because I couldn't see their color it took me a bit to figure out what they could be.