Saturday, August 29, 2015

Florida’s Wood Stork

We were so happy to get to interact with a couple of Wood Storks at Tuscawilla Park last weekend.

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According to Audubon, “The Wood Stork is one of Florida's signature wading birds, a long-legged, awkward-looking bird on land that soars like a raptor in the air. Like many Florida birds associated with wetlands, the Wood Stork has suffered from the destruction and degradation of our state's wetlands. Today, the Wood Stork is classed "Endangered" by the State of Florida and the federal government.”

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We forgot our ‘day old bread’ from home so we stopped at Publix and bought a loaf of bread on sale to feed the birds. We were so glad we did!

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The birds followed us around while we walked at the Park.

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It was amazing!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

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Enjoy your weekend. Umbrella

We’re tuned in to the Weather Channel!

37 comments:

Linda Kay said...

Good luck with the impending weather situation, my friend. Loved your visit to the park and the birds there.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Diane, I really enjoyed the seeing the birds at this park. I love the cool Wood Stork and the Ibis. I hope this storm misses you, stay safe. Wonderful photos! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Musst have been fun with all those birds following round the park. Great shots. Have a wonderful weekend.

ann said...

Such wonderful, exotic birds you have in Florida. And so friendly. I saw a new bird in our yard, a horned lark. My husband knew the bird; about the size of an English Sparrow with little tiny horns. I like bird-watching. I hope you are enjoying your week end. Has Erika showed up yet? I hope you stay dry.

VioletSky said...

You've introduced me to a new bird this week!
Though I'm sure they would have been just fine without being fed bread.

Arlene G said...

I always love your beautiful wildlife photos Diane!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Beuatiful birds! You two have the most fun outings! Stay safe with Erika heading your way.
hugs,
Linda

Diane said...

Amazing! I'd love to see one in flight. And aren't you nice to buy bread? LOVE the new header-- how pretty!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Absolutely amazing. What fabulous birds, so sad to think they are endangered. Perhaps they will come back like the bald eagle did, from the edge of extinction. That is a gorgeous park and and wonderful photos.

We are finally getting our drenching rain - hope it continues - we have almost an inch now.

Keep listening to that weather channel - and stay safe.

Patsy said...

Now that is what I call a wonderful day in the park.
Love it!

Linda said...

What lovely birds to see, so glad you got some bread for them. Great photos.

Deb said...

They are so graceful looking. I'd love to see them fly! I love your new banner! Did you make the necklace? I so love seashells and even though it has been eons since I have been to a beach, I have seashells all over my house!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Deb

Stephanie said...

Lovely pictures, Diane, and what fun to feed the birds :) Happy weekend, dear one.

Lorrie said...

What a beautiful bird - new to me. Love the photo of the wingspread. I hope you stay safe in the impending storm. Time for some movies, reading and popcorn, perhaps?

I love your header - is it new? Or am I just really slow at noticing things?

Red Rose Alley said...

Diane,
The stork is such a peculiar looking bird. The last time I saw one was at the ocean. You took some great pictures of this unusual bird.

A happy weekend to you.

love, ~Sheri

Susie said...

Diane, That is a great shot of the wood stork's beautiful markings. I am glad you feed the birds. I hate for them to be hungry. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

TexWisGirl said...

i was thrilled when one stopped here at run*a*round one winter a few years back. so cool!

Jeanne said...

Nice to catch a glimpse of these magnificent birds! Lovely pictures.

Christine said...

Just awesome, Diane! They are magnificent birds!
Enjoy your weekend!
If you have time please join me at my new photos blog
Christineandhercamera.blogspot.com

Pamela Gordon said...

Beautiful birds! Is the hurricane getting closer? Please take care and be safe.

Sam I Am...... said...

Great pics and I have never seen a wood stork nor would I probably if it weren't for you! Thank you! I hope you fare well with the approaching storm.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

They are gorgeous!

Stopping in to see that you are ok and that hurricane / storm is hopefully not going to affect you too much! The latest news looks as if it is weakening, thank goodness.

20 North Ora said...

Love that first photo. Beautiful bird.

Judy

Shug said...

a nice place! looks so relaxing in that area.....odd looking storks, but very pretty...

Poppy said...

It's lovely to see these birds strutting their stuff! I am enjoying the Canada geese, ducks and even seagulls, that I spot on my own walks around the neighbourhood.

Diane, I saw on the morning news that Hurricane Erika is on her way to your neck of the woods. Stay safe, my friend!

Hugs,
Poppy

cynthia lee designs said...

I love seeing your wildlife pictures!! Hope you stay safe from the hurricane. My best friend that I've had since we were 10 years old lives in Florida too. Keeping you all in my prayers.
hugs,
Cindy

Nancy's Notes said...

Diane, how much fun it must have been to see those storks! How cute that they followed you around and all the while you got some great shots of them! Wonderful park!
Happy Sunday, sweet friend.
Nancy

Anni said...

These are incredible. Around here, we're lucky to spot them since they like to feed/roost in more hidden areas instead of out in the open park like you experienced!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful post and photo captures at I'd Rather B Birdin'. Post like this one makes it very easy for me to host such a great meme.

Linda Walker said...

You have some of the most interesting creatures around you! Quite a bird and great photos!
Hope the deteriorating weather is keeping it's distance from you! nice to find some time to stop by and catch up. Hope all is well!
xo
Linda

Deb said...

Great pictures Diane and hope Erika decided not to come visiting!! Deb xo

Suzan said...

Fun!!!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

I so enjoy your love of nature and your adventures are always so interesting. You and your husband stay so active, I feel your enthusiasm and that is a beautiful thing! Hope all is well with you and that the storm stays far away.
warm Texas hugs,
Jemma

Buttercup said...

Always enjoy your outdoor photos and especially liked seeing close-up these beautiful birds. Next best thing to being there.

Julie's Lifestyle said...

That looks like such fun feeding the birds. We used to do that when I was younger.
I hope you have a nice Monday.
Julie

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

We were keeping eyes on Erica from a distance .... Hoping all is still well!

A Colorful World said...

Love the wood stork. Loved reading about him too. What a fun day it looks like you had! Great pictures!

Rose said...

How wonderful for you! I would not have wanted to leave.