Southwest Florida is home to one of the largest rookeries of wood storks in the world. Every year about this time they come in numbers to set up house for their yearly mating. Several years ago there was not enough rain and the pools which provide the food for the young were dry. The wood storks did not set up house nor mate and there was fear for these endangered birds.
Last year there was plenty of rain and the rookeries were alive with new life and young birds were plentiful. This year I observed many new birds coming back to the area and I wish that the water level was a little higher but there seems to be sufficient water to have a successful breeding season.
Wood storks are by no means a beautiful bird when wading in a pool seeking food. A rather ugly head placed on a body which must have been designed by a committee betrays the real beauty of this large wading bird. From the moment they take to the air we see a marvelous streamlined bird capable of intricate maneuvers. Theresa and I saw several hundred in a flock flying in formation and doing what has been described as their bridal dance in the sky.
It was poetry in motion and we stopped our biking ride and watched in wonder as they dipped and dived in perfect order. Sometimes we see just a pair pass through this ritual and it is truly beautiful. Today as I played golf with my partners I was distracted by the beauty of a pair of wood storks and I knew they were back and meant business. I never cease to be amazed by the shows put on by mother nature.
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