Ouch!

My first post to this gallery, but I thought this was the best fit for this image. I'm a research biologist and we have beeen studying the immune system of an endangered species, the Florida Scrub-Jay. The immune system of birds is robust... think of all the injories and diseases wild birds get with no doctors to visit... but even this surprised us. This bird was completely impaled by a twig, straight through the abdomen. Probably no major organs here, but still, a pretty grievous wound. The bird flew normally and did not act like it was ill or injured. The bird is banded and part of our long-term study, so we saw him at least once a month. The twig remained in him for 4-5 months before apparently rotting at both ends and falling off. This picture was taken in October 2007. As of yesterday, April 26 2009, this bird has become a breeder and he and his mate are rearing three young, during an otherwise awful breeding season (drought). An amazing testament to the strength of the avian immune system!

Technicals... Nikon D200, 300mm F4 EDIF, f6.3, 1/400s, handheld