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One-legged Willet
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One-legged Willet

by Dennis Plank

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted June 4, 2018203 views3 comments
Actually, both legs were there, but one seemed at least temporarily incapacitated.  Later, I think I saw the sme bird tentatively using it.  There were a lot of washed up jellyfish on the beach (Padre Island National Seashore) and it may have been stung.  If so, it was used to it, because it certainly got around well on one leg.  This was the take-off when it was running.  It would swing its leg far forward in the air, let his leg collapse a little as momentum moved his body past center, then do another spring forward.

7Dii, Sigma 150-600 C @ 600 mm, hand held wading in the surf, f/8, 1/1000, iso 640, manual exposure.  Processed in LR & PS CC.  Taken at 8:26 am on April 13th, 2017.

Comments and critiques are appreciated.

Thanks,

Comments

3 comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 5, 2018 at 10:42 AM
"Nature" is incredibly resilient and this image along with your description shows that well, Dennis.  We had a "3-legged" White tailed dear that raised twin fauns 2 years in a row before disappearing.  She had 4 legs, but her left rear leg didn't work (likely hit by a car...).
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Shirley Freeman on June 5, 2018 at 4:44 PM
Great shot and story, Dennis.  Yes, it is amazing how well animals can adjust when they are injured.  Wonderful detail in the feathers, and nice out of focus background that really compliments his colors.  Nicely done.
Registered on May 27, 2017, 77 Posts, 844 Comments
Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on June 13, 2018 at 7:43 PM
Interesting behavior, Dennis. 
Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments