One legged Ring-billed Gull Landing On An Icy Pond

One legged Ring-billed Gull about to land – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Because I am out in the field so often and see so many birds of different species there are instances when I see birds with physical disabilities, some caused by man and some caused by nature. I’ve seen birds missing an eye, missing one foot or the entire leg and I’ve seen birds with beak deformities. Some of those birds do quite well despite their physical problems, they seem to adapt.

On January 2nd I noticed a Ring-billed Gull coming in for a landing on an iced over pond that was missing a leg and foot and I wondered how well it would handle the slippery ice while attempting to land on it. In this photo it was just about to touch down on the icy pond.

One legged Ring-billed Gull landing on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

In this photo the one legged Ring-billed Gull had touched down on the iced over pond and was using its wings to maintain its balance but it had not stopped its forward motion on the ice. The gull was still sliding forward.

One legged Ring-billed Gull sliding on ice after landing – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

In this frame the one legged Ring-billed Gull had just about stopped sliding in the slippery ice and was using its wings to slow its momentum. Almost immediately after this photo was taken another gull landed in front of this one and obstructed a clear view of the bird so I wasn’t able to get photos of it standing on its one good leg on the icy pond.

I really am in awe of how birds and other wildlife can adapt to physical limitations and not just survive but thrive.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Ring-billed Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.