I worked out this bird over the weekend. As I made the legs, figuring how to provide support and balance for the bird, I came to appreciate how tiny bird legs and feet truly are. They obviously want to be able to tuck their feet away while in flight, so small is better. And the "toes" have a powerful grip for staying put while in a tree or the brush. Aquatic birds have bigger feet, adapted for swimming. Yet, even these flipper-like feet become aerodynamic when the bird flies. Such fine adaptation is seen throughout the natural world.
My daughter found the feather on a walk yesterday. I think it belongs to a turkey. We have been seeing many turkeys in the yard and the woods lately.
***********************************
Thank you all for joining in for the give-away. Your happy wishes were very much appreciated.
The winners:
The stone - #9 Grace
The fish - #15 Chrissie Grace