Wood Storks In Love
Last night in the salt marsh a large crowd of wood storks came in at one point to feed during low tide. The storks were behaving in their usual manner…sticking their bills in the water trying to grab fish, and fussing and squabbling with one another at the same time. This pair however were not involved in any of that, they only had eyes for each other. They spent their time grooming and nuzzling and seemed to be seriously in love. 🙂
Some of you may remember the photos from earlier this month of the pair of amorous wood storks canoodling in a pine tree. Could this be the same pair?! It’s possible, I have no way of knowing for sure, but I can say this is definitely not the usual wood stork behavior we normally see, so these two really stood out.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Great photographs. Great story.
Thank you very much I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and story of the wood storks evening in the marsh.
This is precious! They certainly are not bashful about it……
They may be a bit rough looking to us but seem to be delighted with each other. 🙂
Different is good in this case. Since I don’t get to see them in real life, they look real interesting to me.
They are very interesting birds, they have one of the fastest feeding reaction and reflex of any vertebrate. They can snap their bill closed on a fish in 25 milliseconds.
It’s clear they like each other! What a sweet series. I just love the fourth and sixth photos, but also the progression the series illustrates. Maybe it is the same pair. Awwwww. 🙂
It could very well be the same pair from earlier, but we have many wood storks in the artea now so no way to tell for sure. But I don’t see this behavior often in among the group so it could be our love birds!
So, if it weren’t for the prehistoric looking heads, this pair would be the stars of the show… love is in the air for sure.
Well they have a face only a mother could love, or in this case another wood stork could love, because they seem quite delighted with each other. 🙂
Aaaaw! This couple are so adorable and are also obviously adoring of one another, Phil. Fabulous series of pics. 🙂
They were at it for several minutes Sylvia and it was endearing to witness. Tough to call these birds cute but they really kind of were quite cute. 🙂
Ahhh l’amore 🙂
Bellissime foto Phil
Ciao, Patrizia
Grazie Pat, so happy you like them!
Smashing series Phil.
Thanks very much Adrian, I greatly appreciate it.
That’s what I call a lovestory. Great shots.
It is a love story! Thanks very much!
It is magical to work your way through this process, courting. It is certainly more awkward when you see others do these same things; which includes our friends the storks.
I’m happy you enjoyed seeing the courting wood storks Charlie, thanks!
Fabulous photos, Phil. What an absolutely beautiful pair. Your capture is magical. Blessings, my friend.
I greatly appreciate your very kind comments, thanks!
Is this what they call “mirroring”? These pictures have the real “aaaah” factor, Phil. So sweet!
I don’t know if there is an official term for this Maggie but it is fun to watch and photograph!
These are all great, Phil. Hard to pick a favorite they are all so cute. When in love, even a wood stork is beautiful…actually I like them a lot even when not courting. 🙂
They are a very interesting bird for sure Steve. They have one of the fastest reflexes of any vertebrate. They can snap the bill shut on a fish in 25 milliseconds. I like them as well. Thanks!
The pair is so synchronized in their movements, Phil. Lovely work.
I am very happy you liked seeing these wood storks Tricia, thanks a bunch!
Perhaps Adam and Eve are born again? In any case, I think it’s nice that the two interact with each other so peaceful! Nice pictures, dear Phil, as allways! ▲
They were getting along quite well which is unusual for wood storks as they often quarrel. 🙂
I remember the post you did earlier month, Loved it. They could be the same pair, if not, I’m happy to see another pair in love 🙂 Thank you so much for the series, Phil! Happy Sunday.
I feel the same way Amy, I’m not sure if it’s the same pair but I’m very happy to see two of these birds be so affectionate with each other. 🙂
It actually is rather amazing that nesting herons, egrets and woodstorks do seem so tender with each other. You wouldn’t really get that sense if you never witnessed it.
You are correct Judy, I have seen similar behavior at other times and astonishingly, even alligator mating can in fact be quite tender. 😯 🙂
According to the Birds of North America (from the Lab of Ornithology), this sort of behavior occurs in Wood Storks in early courtship, around the time when they mate with each other. Keep an eye on these guys and maybe you’ll get a shot of some X-rated Wood Stork loving! (Not that birds do anything that actually looks X-rated, but you know what I mean…)
I have been surprised to witness this type of courtship behavior in the wood storks since although they do spend a lot of time here in the summer, we never have any nest or raise young here.
I will certainly keep my eyes open though. 🙂
So cute. I never knew birds to be so cuddly. It’s heartwarming.
It’s a little tough with those faces but I’m sure they look beautiful to each other. But the behavior is indeed quite heartwarming. 🙂
Awesome!
I appreciate it Hans, thank you!
That’s very sweet! Beautifully photographed, Phil!
I greatly appreciate your kind comments Karen, thanks!
So sweet.
They are quite the pair aren’t they?! 🙂
I think it is the same couple, cuddling. Your fabulous shots of wildlife are turning me into a romantic. Help!
Help is on the way with new posted shots of Mr. A which should snap you out of it. But, oh no, wait! You found even Mr. A to be cuddly! Uh oh…