Ed saw another bird in our yard that has been identified as a Wood Stork. He didn't realize until I cropped his photo what an ugly head this creature has.
Click on pic for a larger version.
"...the Wood Stork is the only stork breeding in the United States. Its late winter breeding season is timed to the Florida dry season when its fish prey become concentrated in shrinking pools."
"These waders feed on minnows in shallow water by using their bills to perform a rare and effective fishing technique. The stork opens its bill and sticks it into the water, then waits for the touch of an unfortunate fish that wanders too close. When it feels a fish, the stork can snap its bill shut in as little as 25 milliseconds—an incredibly quick reaction time matched by few other vertebrates."
Dave Birdman Clements, our official identifier, says he especially loves to see them in flight. (This photo is from the web.)
Every time I think we've seen a sample of all the birds and animals from the preserve behind us, a different one shows up. Ed saw a fox dart across our yard one evening. It's like a free nature show right in our own back yard....such a deal!
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