The Watchers

I just had to go back to Soulliere Pond this morning. The Wood Storks and others were still there, shuffling their webbed feet through the mud of the shallow water. Spotted these four 'sentinels' on the opposite shoreline. And in the *extra...a collage to give you some idea of the number of Wood Storks enjoying the beautiful day here in Gainesville. Also, a Wood Stork in flight. I just love these big, 40-44" (1-1.1m) x 5'.6 (1.7m) prehistoric looking birds! They breed predominantly in Florida and Georgia and a few areas in tropical America. Habitat destruction and disruption of water flow throughout southern Florida have caused a marked decline in their numbers. I've been thrilled to see this large 'muster' (a group of Wood Storks) these last couple of days!