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Overcoming Adversity

These photos tell the story of a one-legged Red-tailed Hawk and its ability to hunt successfully despite the obvious challenges. It was sitting on a lamp post, scanning the ground below when it suddenly took off and successfully caught a vole on the ground.

 

I have been seeing this hawk off and on in a local park for almost two months now and always marveled at its ability to overcome the challenges thrown at it. It appears that it lost part of its right leg, could be when it was very young or it was born that way. Whatever the reason, it has adapted well to survive to adulthood. It is difficult for a bird to survive in the wild with only leg, and it is more so for birds of prey that rely on their talons to capture prey. However, this brave bird did well so far and I sincerely hope that it finds a partner in the Spring to continue with its triumphant march. Downsview Park, Toronto.

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Uploaded on December 28, 2023
Taken on December 24, 2023