The Wood Stork is a common, year-round bird for most of Florida. It is large with a 38-inch length and 5-foot wingspan. Its heavy bill makes it stand out among other wading birds.
In flight it makes a striking image of a white body with all flight and tail feathers colored black.
The juvenile has a yellow bill which gradually turns dark in adulthood.
You might think that birds’ legs bend backwards from humans and that this stork is on its knees. Not so! It is on its ankles. The knees are higher up the leg, under feathers and rarely seen. Looking at an x-ray helps.
Happy birding!
PEACE RIVER AUDUBON ACTIVITIES:
Wednesday (not the normal Thursday), Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m. refreshments, 7 p.m. program, “Turn Your Yard into a Bird Sanctuary” by Jane Neville, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte.
Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 16-17-18, 2025, Audubon Florida Assembly, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL. See website: https://www.audubon.org/florida/get-involved/audubon-florida-assembly
Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m., Bird Walk with Brant & Jayne, Kiwanis Park, 501 Donora St., Port Charlotte, FL.
Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Nature Walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd., Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member. Participation is free. Registration is not required. Visit the website for all the details or you can contact fellow BSM resident Rick Read 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
