(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Daily Bucket - Spoonbills and Wood Storks and Egrets "OH MY" [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-10-03 I had to return to Wildcat Brake after finding the Spoonbills there last week. I was positive that this was the year I would see Wood Storks. After three years of searching, my diligence paid off. The Storks flew in (single file and in smaller groups) like Pelicans on the move. They joined a large flock of Spoonbills that had claimed the Cypress grove as a base camp. I learned larger flocks of Storks will form “V” formations as well. I wish I had filmed them coming in. I have this short video showing the two species together in the trees. 21 second film I saw a few other birds before the Spoonbills and Storks drifted down into the river channel to begin feeding. Wood Ducks squeaked at the over head commotion and scurried along the water’s surface. Hairy and Pileated woodpeckers ignored the cacophony and kept hammering away at dead snags (the different percussion tones mingled harmoniously). A Baltimore Oriole ignored everything as it preened it’s pretty feathers. 9 second film Suddenly the action of feeding eliminated all other distractions I had. It was as if a dinner bell had been sounded (maybe the Woodpeckers are to blame). Below is a video showing a sampling of the action, but first let me introduce you to the site. The stage is filled with the dark buttress of Cypress. Between and behind each brown barrier a flash of white or pink enters and departs. The fabric security fence surrounding a Cirque-du-soleil performance had a slit I could see through but the legs of paying attendees block every major moment. I couldn’t look away after I found my best view of the action. The setting of all the excitement. The methodical back and forth sieve technique of the Spoonbills (bodies hovering just above the water surface) dodged the hulking Stork bodies with their spring loaded traps sweeping below the surface. Wood Storks sweep back and forth with an open beak. As a fish brushes it’s tongue, snap goes the beak. The dagger piercing Egrets strode resolutely through frantic feeders beneath their stature. The exotic performers on stage at once was an epic finale to a long anticipated show. 1:11 minute scene . Even though I saw this wonderful animal yesterday (Oct. 2nd) I realized I had not seen a Chipmunk since 1989. I had to bring it for you to enjoy. Fine and strong markings of an Eastern Chipmunk. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/3/2195122/-Daily-Bucket-Spoonbills-and-Wood-Storks-and-Egrets-OH-MY Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/