The shore birds of Sanibel enjoying early morning! Notice how they are facing into the morning breeze acting almost the same as a wind vane would. Did you know that by watching the birds, you can tell which direction the wind is coming from? This is because they come in for a landing facing “into” the wind are all set for take-off still into” the wind (such as an airplane does). Also, if they face into the wind, it helps them retain body heat because by facing the opposite way, the wind will ruffle their feathers. If it’s a warm, windless day, birds will sit any which way they choose. The winds simply flow over the contour of their bodies, but if the bird is turned the opposite direction with its tail facing the wind, it ruffles their feathers and they are off balance.