Baby Woodstorks

I finally saw a baby Woodstork!  Adults are usually in abundance but I had never seen a baby until this year (May 2010).  Their nests are usually up pretty high and this year they were on the other side of the rookery - the far side, which I can just barely reach with my 400mm lens.

I knew they were ugly because I'd seen a picture (but adorable at the same time).  I joked with my dad that they are ugly as babies (a face only a mother could love) and ugly as adults - not an easy life for this bird.

Woodstorks - Nestbuilding

The Woodstorks were nestbuilding which gave me the opportunity to practice my flight shots.  This was at the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, the first weekend in May 2010. 

Their wingspan is amazing.  I love them stretched to the fullest extent...

... and folded in like a black silky cape.