Swan leg -- up close and personal

Their feet ARE webbed, Jacki -- it's just hard to tell from this photo. I'm sure they are capable of actually attacking if they feel threatened enough. I wouldn't want to take a chance!!
Great comment, JYL -- and you're not "all wet"! It makes perfect sense, but I'd just never stopped to consider that detail before.
Thank you so much, Lorna. You're right on its not being very attractive, especially this close up!!

Fantastic photo Li and I whole-heartedly agree with jyl's great comment! This is a part of a swan's anatomy I have never paid any attention to before; maybe not the most attractive part but fascinating all the same. Thank you.

I can't think of a bird that doesn't have claws. Between the webs there are toes, and on the end of the toes, just like ours, I believe there are claws (or nails) I could be all wrong, but I can't imagine any other way for the toes to end. Please correct me if I'm mistaken (I was going to write "all wet," but that would have been too bad a pun.

I never knew about the claws either. I thought the feet were webbed, like ducks. I have seen people annoy them and they'll spread their wings and run at you! I've never seen anyone actually get attacked though.

You have greatly encouraged me, JYL. Thank you so much for taking the time to express what you did!!
I have caused this swan to hiss at me before, Lyndee, but I had a dock railing in between us. I might have been more scared had I known about those claws!!

Yes, I think I would keep my distance from her! Nice shot Li.

What a fascinating puzzle and beautiful anatomical study, Joy! Your choice of subject and execution of it are superb; but we already know that from admiring your puzzles in the past.

I wouldn't, either, irene. I never knew they had claws!!

Looking at that claw, I certainly wouldn't want to upset her. Thanks Li. ☺