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One-footed hawk, or just a hawk on a rail?

Discussion

6 replies
Posted by Barbara Graham on November 30, 2016 at 11:24 PM
One-footed hawk, or just a hawk on a rail?
I was extremely surprised this morning to see this hawk sitting on the rail.  I wondered if it was hurt.  Then it flew off into a high tree.  But upon looking at the image I only see one foot.  Is it likely just holding the other one up, or do you think it has only one foot?  I don't think it's usual at all for hawks to sit down low on rails like this, is it?

(No processing at all done to the image.)
Posted by Charlie VanTassel on December 1, 2016 at 1:39 AM
It's not unusual for a hawk to stand on one leg.  I think that what's going on here.  
Posted by John Tobias on December 1, 2016 at 8:15 AM
I agree, standing on 1 leg.  Nice photo!
Posted by Dennis Plank on December 1, 2016 at 8:48 AM
It's certainly not uncommon for most species to see them standing in one leg, Barbara.  As for being on a rail, it's probably somewhat related to species, but most of the ones that I'm familiar with will perch low down.
 
Posted by Larry Leach on December 1, 2016 at 8:47 PM
Agree with the above.  In fact, I have lots of one-legged bird photos :)  One of my favorites (content only - not the picture per se) is two wood ducks (male/female) in a tree.  Looks like the male is surprised...
Posted by Larry Leach on December 1, 2016 at 8:48 PM
And just to show she is 'faking', here's another:
Posted by Barbara Graham on December 3, 2016 at 6:33 PM
Larry, those are great photos.  cool cool cool