Stumpy

Gallery: AvianPosted February 25, 2010120 views11 comments

Calidris canutus

This little Red Knot was on the beach on Sanibel Island. I had shot several images before I realized that it was missing a foot. It appears to be an old injury that has healed. It sure did not seem to slow it down. It was darting around as well as the birds around it.

7D, 500mm f4L IS + 1.4 t.c.
1/800, f10.0, ISO 200
Partial Metering -1/3

All comments and critique welcome.
Thank You.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 25, 2010 at 10:56 PM

very interesting shot, Matt. I think the f/10 depth of field worked really nicely here, capturing the many shells at his feet, er.. foot. well done.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on February 26, 2010 at 12:41 AM

This is very interesting and a nice shot of this little survivor. At first I felt sorry for him but after reading your caption I was glad to hear it seems not to have affected him very much. I am wondering if he ever put any weight on his stump or if he just hopped around on his one good leg all of the time.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on February 26, 2010 at 1:18 AM

Nice capture Matt, love the plumage detail and eye... isn't it great how nature can adapt to injuries?

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on February 26, 2010 at 3:44 AM

An interesting find Matt. I wonder how it lost its foot...?
Its almost like he's displaying it for you

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on February 26, 2010 at 7:11 AM

Thanks for all of the comments. Robert, he was running around using both legs, so well, that I did not even notice the foot was missing.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on February 26, 2010 at 9:49 AM

An interesting behavioral shot. I like the position of the bird in the nice light and the nice view of the shells on the beach.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on February 26, 2010 at 10:39 AM

Nice pose and detail. I like the shell strewn beach and your exposure and dof. Glad he's coping with that handicap! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on February 26, 2010 at 3:37 PM

Nice capture!

D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 27, 2010 at 12:45 AM

Wonderful detail Matt and I like the shells scattered in the sand. It looks like it was a nice sunny day and I'm wondering whether you could afford to lighten/brighten it just a fraction.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 27, 2010 at 12:15 PM

Matt,

When I lived in FL I often photgraphed Red Knots to report my observations of bands and when I'd see injured birds. A great many birds in FL (and else where) are injured when discarded monofiliment fishing line is broken or tossed into the water. The discarded line can become entangled around the feet of many birds and the result can be missing feet in many species. In my observation birds that are missing one foot seem to be able to compensate & make adjustments and still survive. Though it does tug deeply at my heart strings.

I like the low angle you achieved, the knot's pose, the head turn and setting. Thanks for providing the larger version, it shows the details & sharpness very nicely.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on February 28, 2010 at 9:48 AM

I like the pose and the angle of shot. I once photographed a one-legged Malaysian Plover that had found a mate and was very mobile. It's amazing just how well they do manage despite their handicaps.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments