Then to our surprise, Forry spotted a Crested Caracara sitting on a fence post alongside the road. We saw a lot of these critters in Texas, but were surprised to see one here in Florida where they are considered "scarce." My bird book describes them as "as tropical member of the falcon family, but shaped like a hawk and feeds like a scavenger." It's too bad the picture is blurry, because it is a striking bird.
Then a little further down the road, he spotted this Wood Stork hanging out with a Great White Egret.
Then we saw what was probably its mate!
The Wood Stork is our only native stork. Forry has been looking for one for some time. It's another new Life Bird for both of us! It has really long gawky dark legs and a rather ugly naked gray head.
They spooked when a big truck came by and flew up into the trees.It was neat to see the black edges of its wing feathers. This huge (40 inch) bird flew up -- with those long legs dangling behind -- and perched right on top of an old snag.
The Fort Myers Costco was one of the most crowded warehouses I've ever been in! It might have been because it was Saturday, but it was really busy. We restocked our coffee supply for the Kuerig (paying a premium for one case of Starbucks) and loaded up on Forry's cereal (though they don't carry the pumpkin and flax seed one he really likes down here in the south). We had an early supper so that Forry could have his favorite Polish dog.
We stopped at a fruit stand on the way home and picked up some more oranges and grapefruit. We are enjoying Florida's citrus!
It is so much fun following your travels! I'm getting an education! Love the bird photos!
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