Landing Wood Stork – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/750, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
Wood Storks are the largest wading bird in North America and the only stork that breeds in the U.S.. Wood Storks are considered endangered primarily due to loss of habitat.
These large wading birds can live up to 25 years.
Their diet consists of aquatic prey which includes fish, crabs and insects, they swish their bills in the water to locate prey as well as using their feet to stir up the water.
Wood Storks have been known to fly at altitudes of 6000 feet and will fly as far as 50 miles to eat.
This sub-adult Wood Stork was photographed at Fort De Soto’s north beach as the bird came in for a landing in a tidal lagoon edged by mangroves.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wood Stork photos plus facts and information about this species.
Perfect timing! I really like the wing display, too.
Thank you Julie, I really liked the wing position in this frame too.
I always enjoy seeing Wood Storks! Beautiful capture of the landing!
Thanks so much for your comment Tammy!
Wow – I had no idea they land so gracefully. Look at that – hardly a splish-splash of water. A surreal capture, Mia.
Thank you Tammy, these large wading birds can be very graceful.
Great action shot, Mia.
Thanks Bob, the while series of this Wood Stork landing was wonderful to see
He is a stunning bird to look at. Love his colors. Carol
Thanks Carol, I love their bubble gum pink feets they have and the slight iridescence of the black in the wings.
A majestic capture of a majestic bird!
Thank you Maria, I really loved this pose.
Super photo Mia! One of those birds, like vultures, very interesting appearance
Thank you Dan, I like how unique Wood Storks are in appearance, like vultures.