This past weekend at Fort De Soto I was very pleased to find about 40 Red Knots feeding by the shore on North Beach. There were a few Short-billed Dowiichers mixed in with the group, and there was this strange looking shorebird--it looked like a Red Knot with feathers that were a little too light and a bump on its head. After getting home, I zoomed in on my photos, and it became clear that this bird has a growth of some sort on its head.
Red Knot Head
A "Normal" Red Knot
Red Knot
I hope that this deformity is temporary that will heal over time, but it could also be a tumor. The bird seemed to be acting normally and was not impeded by the deformity. Perhaps it will be okay.
Scott, I am not expert but this could have been caused by the Red Knot flying into something and with the forehead late swelling from the trauma. I hope it recovers too.
Maybe that deformity is where the bird get's its name?
ReplyDeleteScott, I am not expert but this could have been caused by the Red Knot flying into something and with the forehead late swelling from the trauma. I hope it recovers too.
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