Who knew (obviously not me)

[PJM]

they close their eyes when they peck?
1
Trillium-12 by Peter Martin, on Flickr

2
Trillium-13 by Peter Martin, on Flickr

3
Trillium-14 by Peter Martin, on Flickr

 

[Space Face]

Yeah, it's an involuntary reaction at or slightly before the point of impact to protect the eyes from and debris that may fly off the tree. Many species also use their nictitating membranes for protection too in certain circumstances.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

I am afraid to google " nictitating membrane "

 

[Space Face]

I am afraid to google " nictitating membrane "

Every day is a school day.

 

[PJM]

Yeah, it's an involuntary reaction at or slightly before the point of impact to protect the eyes from and debris that may fly off the tree. Many species also use their nictitating membranes for protection too in certain circumstances.

It makes perfect sense. I just never thought about it until I saw it.
Thanks for your reply.

 

[BrookmanZ]

I am afraid to google " nictitating membrane "

Oh man, this got me good

As far as the original poster, I know the feeling. I had a similar one when I first saw a woodpecker use his tongue to scoop out bugs.

 

[K9Kirk]

Nice set. Good job on the focusing with all the branches and twigs.

 

[PJM]

Thanks. I had to use auto focus with manual override to not get the branches.

 

[petrochemist]

I had heard of this before, but your photos illustrate it better than the article that informed me previously.

Great shots!

 

[PJM]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked them.