Extraordinary birds, what a great new title for the #SMAP contest. For me, seeing one of these in person for the first time was extraordinary.
This is a Wood Stork. Not only are they native to Florida, but this is one of their preferred nesting areas. These large birds get 33-45 inches tall (85-115 cm) and can weigh 72-93 oz (2050-2640 g), their wingspan can be 59-68 inches (150-175 cm). Now that's a lot of bird in the air!
I took the first set of these pics above in a nearby Rookery. Apparently they like to nest in tall trees. I was just amazed to see this giant bird at the top of a large tree, bending over the branches it landed on.
Imagine my surprise when a whole flock of them started showing up periodically next to one of the nearby golf course ponds. (These taken from the car using my Pixel Fold Phone).
This one zoomed a bit on the phone.
The above and below all the same group, just too wide to catch them all in the phone frame size. I counted a little over 40 of them. Holy cow!
Initial set taken with Sony A7RIV and 200-600mm zoom lens.
Group shots taken with Pixel Fold phone.
Enjoy!
It has that characteristic of a vulture with a head without feathers! If it is a scavenger it makes sense so as not to dirty its head with bacteria, it seems to be from the heron family, but at the same time it soars like a vulture, hehe, how crazy!
Supposedly it's main food is fish, crayfish, large insects, frogs, and the occasional mouse or baby alligator. They are known to scavenge human food like hot dogs and chicken wings if their primary food sources are scarce.
Head and neck resemble very old world bird as if it came through the times of dinosaurs, lovely capture of the stork and the flock feeding together.
Thank you and yes, it was a surprise for me. I always thought they were more the all white with orange/yellow beaks like seen on old cartoons carrying babies. Quite different in reality, and cool to see.
Absolutely extraordinary looking bird and how different it looks compared to the white stork.
Wow, had to look that one up. It sure does look different. Who knew there were so many different types. I'm really enjoying all the new wildlife here.
The most unique bird that I have ever met, if we look at it at first glance, it looks like a egret.
Especially from a distance, that was my first thought until I got a closer look.
yes, that's very true.
Wow! Wood strock is really a wonderful bird...i never saw that bird 😍
Thanks and yes, new experiences are wonderful!
Indeed
What an amazing bird!
!INDEED
The birds are really large and yet their size is not a hindrance to their flight. I love their contrasting colours of black and white. Nice capture.
Greetings @ksteem ,
What an extraordinary bird indeed.....thank you for this lovely post.
The close-up photographs are amazing....he looks rather prehistoric...however at the water...they look so tame. Interesting!
Kind Regards, Bleujay
Thanks and I was also surprised at their look. My first time seeing one that close.
Very extravaganza birdie, perfect match to the prompt. Awesome captures. ☘️ !PIZZA
Thanks for the kind comments and Pizza!
Dang, they almost look a bit scary. Like it would eat your baby instead of bringing one to you! Nice shots!
Yes, I was surprised how they looked up close. Definitely a bit fugly, lol.
Great photos! The bird looks very funny. It's like a cross between a turkey and a heron😄
Heheh, I finally found one that you haven't posted (at least I don't think so). Definitely fugly bird and spot on with the cross.
Good morning dear friend @ksteem
Without a doubt it has been an extraordinary moment. How wonderful to be in the presence of this great bird
Have a beautiful day
Thank you. Yes, I am enjoying the large variety and presence of the wildlife here.
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This is definitely one of the most unusual looking birds, so cool! :)