The Swamp Hen: Swamp Hens have evolved to match the wetlands they inhabit. There oversized feet allow them to navigate soft mud or lily pads with ease. However, their powerful beaks...

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Swamp Hens have evolved to match the wetlands they inhabit. There oversized feet allow them to navigate soft mud or lily pads with ease. However, their powerful beaks allow them to pull out plants and eat, not the leaves or fruits, but the soft roots killing the plant. Making the Swamp hen somewhat unwelcome in South Florida’s delicate environment.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Nice image. Everything has its niche.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Beautiful work and interesting info, Bill.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great shot, Bill.

prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK

billnikon wrote:

Swamp Hens have evolved to match the wetlands they inhabit. There oversized feet allow them to navigate soft mud or lily pads with ease. However, their powerful beaks allow them to pull out plants and eat, not the leaves or fruits, but the soft roots killing the plant. Making the Swamp hen somewhat unwelcome in South Florida’s delicate environment.

Aah that a nice shot - very sharp👍

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Very nicely shot

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Wow! Look at that foot!!!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

billnikon wrote:

Swamp Hens have evolved to match the wetlands they inhabit. There oversized feet allow them to navigate soft mud or lily pads with ease. However, their powerful beaks allow them to pull out plants and eat, not the leaves or fruits, but the soft roots killing the plant. Making the Swamp hen somewhat unwelcome in South Florida’s delicate environment.

I never saw one of these stupendous creatures before, so thanks for posting this super shot 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

Bubalola Loc: Big Apple, NY

billnikon wrote:

Swamp Hens have evolved to match the wetlands they inhabit. There oversized feet allow them to navigate soft mud or lily pads with ease. However, their powerful beaks allow them to pull out plants and eat, not the leaves or fruits, but the soft roots killing the plant. Making the Swamp hen somewhat unwelcome in South Florida’s delicate environment.

What a great shot, Bill!

tcthome Loc: NJ

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

billnikon wrote:

Swamp Hens have evolved to match the wetlands they inhabit. There oversized feet allow them to navigate soft mud or lily pads with ease. However, their powerful beaks allow them to pull out plants and eat, not the leaves or fruits, but the soft roots killing the plant. Making the Swamp hen somewhat unwelcome in South Florida’s delicate environment.

They're blue! Those feet and toes are weird even for a bird.

CCPhotoist Loc: Cape Cod

Very nice. Those feet are impressive.