Thanks, Everyone, for the responses. Hildebrand says -- Hi Art. What a wonderful story, Charlie.

I wondered about the waterproofing thing -- but lots of wild birds without waterproofing still take baths. Our Magpies are a good example -- they take lengthy plunge baths -- also Willie-wagtails and Ravens, all the Honey-eaters. They stand around in the sun afterwards to dry off. I love watching baby birds taking their first baths. It's true Chooks are big feathery birds. Come to think of it I've never seen an Emu bathing.
Cheers, Joy