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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