The Prehistoric Survivor

Wood Storks are a massive bird, much bigger than, say a Great Blue Heron. Starting in the late 1800s, they were shot in mass for their gorgeous breeding plumes for ladies fashions. Nearly wiped off the planet, a few survived. Today, through the efforts of many, they are up for delisting from the endangered species act. It’s quite the success story!

My first bird photography trip to Florida decades ago was specifically for the Wood Stork. They weren’t easy to find back then, and when we finally did, they weren’t in a location that was conducive for photography. But I was hooked and in the years since, have spent many days at their rockeries. My time at Wakadahatchee last week was spectacular, in large part because I could just watch Wook Stork’s antics. This time of year, nest platforms are being built, and pair bonds are being renewed. We’re so lucky we have them to watch and enjoy. You gotta love a happy ending for the prehistoric survivor!