In no particular hurry, this Wood Stork flew directly in front of me. He stayed at an angle I was able to follow him along as he crossed a variety of backgrounds.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 28, 2024
Wood Storks In Flight
Tag Archives: Wood Stork
Wood Storks Abound
The water in the big pond at Donnelley WMA was still low when we returned on July 28 and the light was perfect for some reflection images.
These wading birds were in constant motion as the fed in the shallow water, the Wood Storks by feeling in the water with their beaks. The Tricolor Herons and Snowy Egrets watched the water patiently, waiting to strike with their bills.
Occasionally another bird would join the crowd.
This one made more of a flying hop.
The birds already feeding pay no attention to new comers.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 28, 2024
Juvenile Wood Storks Preening
I last visited the Wood Stork Chicks  at Cypress Wetlands in June. While many of them have fledged, this pair didn’t exhibit any flight intentions and were concentrating on their preening.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
August 2, 2024
Wood Stork Chicks in Nest
The adult Wood Storks appeared to be passing nest duty, after first inspecting their pair of chicks.
Not yet walking, the chicks were scrambling around probably hoping to get fed.
One adult flew off, which gave the other a bit more room to maneuver…
…check on junior’s grooming…
…and then get a little space away from the chicks.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 12, 2024
Wood Stork Bringing Nest Material
Watching a Wood Stork gather nest materials is a treat, especially when they fly right over you! I couldn’t see into the vegetation where these sticks were being delivered so don’t know if these are for repairs or new nests.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 12, 2024
Wood Stork Chick Trio
More Wood Stork chicks were standing up at Cypress Wetlands yesterday. This trio were the oldest/largest with the least vegetation allowing photographs.
Wood Stork Chicks in Nest
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 12, 2024
Wood Stork Chicks
Three Wood Stork nests had chicks visible from the board walk at Cypress Wetlands last week. The chicks, maybe three or four in each nest, alternated between laying down and constant motion.
Truly a marvel, this rookery hosted a few Wood Stork nests last year for the first time. This year there are many more and it is a joy to see them reproduce successfully.
Cute or ugly, they made me smile.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
May 30, 2024
Wood Stork Getting a Drink
Taking a break from his nest building activities this Wood Stork might have thought he found a peaceful spot.
Ignoring the kerfuffle he got a drink…
Then another…
Maybe too much, interesting that he didn’t tip his head all the way back to swallow, at least this time.
The bigger scene:
There were a few White Ibis patrolling the area, too.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
April 5, 2024
Wood Storks Gathering Nesting Material
There are at least a dozen pairs of Wood Storks actively building nests this week at Cypress Wetlands. Last year there were only two or three pairs–word about the good neighborhood has spread.
Some material contributions are tiny…
and some much more substantial.
Unlike some other wading birds that use mostly dead twigs, the Wood Storks seem to prefer picking live branches with some greenery.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
Wood Stork Landing In Tree
I just love the awkward, ancient look of the Wood Stork.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 13, 2024