I recently returned from a trip to Florida to visit my dear friend Sibyl. I mentioned Sibyl in the previous post about the wedding. I’ve known her since we both started working back in the early 90s. She lives in Delray Beach, Florida, where David and I lived until we moved to NC in 2000. In addition to visiting family and friends, one of my favorite things about Florida are Florida birds. Luckily, though it’s a pain to travel with, I brought my camera and 600 mm lens! I packed this on a whim and I’m soooo glad I did because we went to Wakodahatchee Wetlands and it was Wood Stork nesting season. I miss my hummingbirds during Carolina winters and when I saw these interesting dramatic birds – I don’t know how to describe it but I was a little short of breath and got this tremendous high as I was walking into the wetlands.
They were literally everywhere on the tops of trees (from a distance looking like popcorn balls) jockeying for position to build their nests. Every now and then you’d hear clackity clack clack, and see two males “fencing” with their long beaks to determine who was going to get “that particular spot”. Walking along the boardwalk, they were so close to me I could almost touch them, and seemed completely unbothered by the many people there to see them.
Then they flew. It was amazing to watch them fly with their long legs and descending for a landing on these branches that were small relative to the size of the bird, reminding me of many of the wobbly landings I had on the balance beam as a child.
In addition to the Wood Storks, I saw this pair of Egrets. Their plumage is just beautiful.
I saw some other nice birds! Dude in the top row with the punk rock hair cut and electric blue eyes–I see you! I see you pretty blue nesting birds and and snowy white Egret- you were probably hunting for food but it looks like you are looking in the mirror at your beautiful self. And finally, you with the beautiful blue and green feathers and giant feet- how pretty are you!
The day before I left I saw a hummingbird in Sibyl’s Firecracker bush. I couldn’t believe it and I didn’t get a shot, but I sent a silent greeting to the little guy wishing him safe travels and telling him all would be well when he makes it to The Quay. The feeders will be out and the plants blooming. See you at the end of March buddy!
Another wonderful article.