The first stork I saw up close and personal was during a beach excursion to Fort DeSoto. We were picnicking and fishing and an old stork would stand solemnly by my husband waiting patiently for the cast net to be hauled back in so he could partake of the bounty of little shiners being caught as bait. It was a sight watching that stork following my husband from place to place and stand just out of his way, with his head held down, while my husband cast that bulky net. The stork would nonchalantly, very slowly come up and take a fish or two when the net was opened and the bounty was let loose on the bank.
We thought the stork had something wrapped around his face and neck. The scaled plate that covers the neck and face for protection is remarkable. It was so thick his eyes were set deep under the heavy scales. I'll never forget thinking he looked like Hannibal Lecter. It was a special treat.
God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages.
Jacques Deval, Afin de vivre bel et bien
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