Bay Photos by Donna

There’s probably not too many birders or photographers who get excited when they see these two birds.  They aren’t graced with a beautiful face nor with bright colors as many other birds.  But they really are uniquely beautiful and interesting, and in abundance in Florida.

The first is the Black Vulture.  A common bird throughout the United States and a janitor to our earth.  Most everyone has seen them soaring gracefully across the sky as well as seeing them alongside the road, cleaning up a mess.

Okeechobee, Florida, was highly populated with Black Vultures.  They were seen often in the sky and could also be found at boat ramp areas usually in tight groups.

Black Vulture

 

Black Vultures sittin’ with the daisies

Black Vultures, along with at least one Turkey Vulture (red face), and Great Blue Heron

 

I also found Black Vultures hanging together with a flock of Wood Storks at the top of the dyke along Lake Okeechobee.  I thought this was an interesting grouping.  So much so, it became a blog post!

Black Vultures and Wood Storks hanging out together

A few more Wood Storks came in for a landing to the group.

Wood Stork coming in for a landing

 

A Great Blue Heron was also watching the commotion of the landings.

More landing while a Great Blue Heron looks on

 

Right place, right time.  My hubby shouted there were several more Wood Storks coming right at me.

It was awesome to see them falling from the sky, landing practically on top of each other!

The Wood Storks were also frequent visitors to the campground, so photo ops were available often.  Some of my favorite poses…..

Wood Stork

 

Wood Stork

 

Wood Stork on a light pole

 

Wood Stork

 

Wood Stork

 

Both the Black Vulture and Wood Stork are two beauties in their own right.  I see and photograph Vultures (both Black and Turkey) at home, but I am happy that I got so many photo opportunities with the Wood Storks.