Fascinating huge bird in my back yard
 

We have noticed an influx of birds in the lake behind our house. The latest occupants are 2-3 huge white birds with incredibly thick necks and long, tough-looking beaks. Their wing span looks at least 4 feet. Internet research reveals that they are "wood storks." Thought you'd enjoy seeing samples.Attachment 19804

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wood stork? oh, you already knew that. wings are gorgeously decorated in flight. common in FL. thanks for the pix.

OH wow...beautiful birds to watch I am sure.

Wow. I don't think I'd like to get in a argument with that little birdiie!

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I enjoyed the photos. Thank you for posting them.

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

Greg Downing Photography: Wood Stork in Flight

nice photo. looks perfectly still, like a hang glider.

Beautiful, thanks for posting. Hope to see one in flight myself someday. I'll put it on the Bucket List.

This morning there is a flock of wood storks, although they are so big that I want to describe them as a herd. Here's another photo.

There are usually a lot of wood storks by the ponds at Churchill Golf Course.

Is that you or your cat talking?:laugh:

Had the pleasure of seeing these birds at the Churchill golf course and was fascinated - had to come right home and figure out what they are.

Actually Molly (the cat in my avatar) shows little interest in looking out the window ever since I adopted her in June. My former cat, Magic, loved to look out the window, and if he saw a bird land on my balcony he was ready to jump through the window. LOL.

Wood stork
 

We are lucky. They are endangered or threatened.