Portraits of a Rouse

It was a little wet in the Twin Cities today.  One of our newest education ambassador American kestrels shook out damp feathers in the series of photos below.  Lifting them up helped separate them and aid in drying out a bit.  This is called a “rouse”; our raptors will also do this as a sign of comfort.  In the wild, this activity also helps to dislodge dirt and possible parasites.