We'd been settling into Florida wonderfully but after a few months of beach visiting I realized I was missing pictures of some of the rather regal native birds. I had noticed our neighbor liked to feed the big birds..the ones that only eat fish..on his roof. This was both convenient and wonderful, as I had no attention of doing so myself...the idea of sun cooked fish on the roof..um no thank you. The camera was placed by the door and I was paying attention. Soon after, I saw the most beautiful bird, in flight, heading that way. White feathers with black on the underside of the wings..stunning. I snatched up my camera and headed that way. Very quietly I got very close and snapped this pic. I thought he was beautiful from behind but I could just make out a bit of its neck and well something didn't look...right? The pic had startled him into flying onto the roof..where he landed to look down at me.
I jumped and may have started reciting the Lords Prayer..sort of at it ..I may have also thrown out the sign of horns to ward off the evil eye I was clearly getting...Backing away slowly I managed to back right into the neighbor. From his head shaking I gathered he didn't appreciate my behavior but really I didn't pay much attention..my eyes were firmly on the black eyed, soul snatching creature above me. I blame this incident for never fully bonding with my neighbor...
This lovely creature is a Wood Stork. I have grown to truly love them..from a safe distance.
This lovely creature is a Wood Stork. I have grown to truly love them..from a safe distance.