Tina asked us to think about the word Wild this week and show examples of something Wild. Wild animals, birds, flowers, weather, Wild behavior….this list could go on and on. Since I enjoy being outside it seems that where ever I go untamed, Wild birds seem to be everywhere, happily chirping, calling to each other or sounding an alarm if another bird has invaded their space. Sometimes if I’m lucky, many different species can be found congregating in a favorite area as they socialize between meals or share a feeding area. It’s interesting to watch the behavior among the different species although if you get too close they immediately take flight and leave to parts unknown.
“Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird? – Sir David Attenborough
On this particular sunny day in Florida, these birds decided to spend a few hours together, socializing, in a large pond behind several homes in the neighborhood. The larger pelicans in the center are the great american white pelicans along with brown pelicans, wood storks, great egrets, a great blue heron and double-crested cormorants. As a side note, great american white pelicans have a wing span of 226 to 360 cm or 7.41 to 11.81 ft, typically their body weight averages between 11 and 20 lb (5.0 and 9.1 kg) and are among the largest flying animal. Their wings are beautiful to see in flight when their black primary feathers are exposed.
“In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” ― Robert Lynd
This was taken at a popular feeding area in Florida where roseate spoonbills and their friends would meet and feed together on small fish, shrimp, mollusks, snails and insects in the shallow, swampy water. It was not unusual to see great egrets and assorted herons here along with white ibises like the one below. Some people wonder why the coloring of some roseate spoonbills is a bright red and others more of a soft pretty pink? It is thought that the brighter coloring comes from the pigments of the crustaceans that is consumed.
“Tame birds sing of freedom. Wild birds fly.” – John Lennon
When this picture was taken on Kiawah Island, SC some years ago, this large body of water had recently been drained due to necessary improvements. Right after this happened the birds were quite distressed, flying around all over the area wondering where their reliable source of food had gone. These few below finally decided too make the best of the situation and see what they could find to eat. Happily the pond did not stay dry very long and is now full of assorted wildlife and happy birds! A great egret is in the center along with an adult white ibis and several juveniles plus a black-crowned night heron.
“All wildlife has the same right to be on this earth as we do. It’s our responsibility to make sure that they remain here.” – unknown