Younger and Old Wood Storks

Wood Stork at Paradise Lake on 8/6/17

Wood Storks have been spotted here in The Villages, FL at several small park and golf course lakes.  I have seen these amazing big birds at Lake Mira-mar near Spanish Springs; at the Lago El Santiago (Santiago Golf Pond on Enrique Dr.); and also at Paradise Lake at Paradise Park, and also at Boone Park.  Happily to note, Paradise Lake is full of water!  Hooray!  The birds are enjoying it and for the first time in nearly a year, the ornamental waterfalls have been once again turned on!

The younger Wood Storks have a brighter and lighter bill and look a lot less weathered and aged.  Old Wood Storks have a huge craggy darker bill – nearly a light charcoal grey.  Wood Storks are on the “Threatened” list of birds here in the United States.  A few years ago, these birds were considered as “Endangered”.  I enjoy watching these unusual-looking exotic wild birds and are always on the look-out for them.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the slightly larger version of the image.  Enjoy!

Wood Storks at Paradise Lake on 8/6/17

Wood Stork at Lake Mira-mar, 8/3/17

Wood Stork at Lago El Santiago, 8/2/17