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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I just love the awkward, ancient look of the Wood Stork.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 13, 2024
I saw this Wood Stork approaching, high enough off the water I could capture him over the pond-side reeds.
He turned at just the right angle with just the right light to show off his green luminescent wing feathers.
Can you say awkward?
There was a dead fish floating in the pond that had caught his eye…
… as he got closer he changed his mind, touched the water and took off.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 30, 2023
The Spoonie Tree remains an attraction for the wading birds, even the precarious looking top.
It’s a balancing act.
Even a Wood Stork took a turn.
Meanwhile, a few other birds stuck to their spots on the lower branches.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 30, 2023
