16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Baby's First Step: Snowy Plover Hatchling
Walking across the sand near the dunes on Anna Maria Island, a Snowy Plover ran in front of me carrying an empty egg shell down to the water. I was curious so I followed him back up to the dune. There I found a mother and three hatchlings. Two of the chicks were running around and were so small, I could barely see them as they were camouflaged in the sand. Then I saw one more, that was struggling to stand. This one wasn't thriving like the others. I waited and watched as he got his strength and bearings. With long lanky folded up legs, he took his first awkward step, right to his mother.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 06.2017 |
Date Uploaded: | 05.2018 |
Photo Location: | Holmes Beach, Florida, United States of America |
Camera: | Canon EOS 5D Mark III |
Copyright: | © Cynthia Herrick |