Top Photo: Male northern cardinal prepares to take bath.

Given the opportunity, many birds will bathe frequently. All they need is an inch or two of water and a relatively secure location, a place where they feel safe from would-be predators during what is a vulnerable time.

Even in secure locations the bird may only splash about for a handful of seconds, pause and do it again, if safe. The cardinal pictured repeated the sequence 4 times before being scared off by a loud, nearby noise.