Legless Gull

[Stu Bowie]

This is a grey Headed Gull, and on capturing this shot, I see that he doesnt have legs. This was taken at a birding spot in Johannesburg, close to the international airport. This spot has a large wetland surrounded by grasses and some shrubery. Although his belly doesnt seem dirty, he must land on his belly to feed. Of course there is the water too, but most of these guys like to land in the grasses. Thought I would share something different.

Canon 50D
100-400@ 400mm
1/4000
F/5.6
ISO 640

Exp Comp +0.67
Hand held

[Morkel Erasmus]

heard about this guy...does he only land on the water? amazing that he survived this long...love the colours and great exposure

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks Mork. There are such a lot of these guys there at the moment, and they are constantly flying around. This was a fluke shot of capturing him amongst the many hundreds there, as one doesnt study their body parts before pressing the shutter. As I stated in my OP, they do seem to like the thicker grass at the edge of the water. The gull looks pretty well fed, so Im glad he's getting along.

[Grace Scalzo]

Wow, Stuart, it's a beautiful photograph and such an interesting story about this bird. I love your background and his nice sharp eye....good job!

[Danny J Brown]

Ditto what Grace said. I've never seen a legless bird although I've seen a few one-leggers. Beautiful overall image.

DB

[Fabs Forns]

I'm loving the color contrast and the sweet light. Great whites and detail, only wish for a lighter underwing.

[Myer Bornstein]

like the capture, very interesting re no legs. how does it feed , only on the water?

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a lot for the comments everyone. I feel good that this guy is in good shape.