Titmice have discovered an entry in to the hide at Scaling Dam Reservoir and might even be roosting there. I came across this Blue Tit during an early morning visit.
Seeing the bird in this view, I'm struck by the robustness of its feet. They are as substantial in proportion to the bird's size...
Thanks for the comments. Birds certainly do manage with extensive foot injuries, probably none more so than Feral Pigeons, which can show even worse damage than this bird.
On the subject of photography, it's a pity all birds aren't as approachable as Turnstones!
I've seen a few waders with injured feet, but this unfortunate bird is in a particularly bad way. It has only one front toe on its left foot and the right foot isn't much better. It still managed to walk well.
Thanks for the comments. Later the same day, a Woodpigeon showed a bit more intelligence when it realised it could reach a suspended suet block. I think this is the first time I've seen this (suet's hardly a natural food for Woodpigeons!), but I wasn't quick enough to photograph it.
The pigeons have trouble handling slices of bread and usually have to wave them around to break off a bite-size piece. Occasionally the bread finishes up on the bird's back, but this particular bird wandered round for several minutes totally unaware of the potential breakfast it was carrying.
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