“Don’t Do It Woody!”
I got the feeling right away when I saw this wood stork carefully watching an alligator glide along in the salt marsh that the stork might have some wacky idea in mind.
I knew I was on to something when I saw Woody start to follow directly behind the gator. I have seen birds do this before, they will shadow an alligator hoping to scoop up panicked fish that get stirred up by the gator. But I did not really expect Woody to reach over and take a little bite out of the tip of the gator’s tail! Woody waited until the gator ducked his head under the water to grab some fish and then went for it.
Lucky for the wood stork the alligator ignored the indiscretion (this time) and just continued on about his business.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Wow!! I think he’s got a death wish :). Either that or that’s just one stupid bird.
He was a younger wood stork and sometimes, like kids everywhere, they can get a bit shall we say… over zealous. 🙂
I wonder if one of the other young birds dared him? LOL
Maybe they did, ha ha, there were a few out there including some adult wood storks who were up to no good.
Birds have a sense of humor! Love this!
They can indeed be wacky at times and maybe not as smart as they should be. 🙂
Probably either a youngster or a risk taker type personality! I’m glad the alligator paid no attention. You get some of the craziest shots, Phil! Great work!
Those wood storks can be a little nutty at times, and like the spoonbills, they seem to be more curious about the alligators then they should be. Glad you liked these shots!
On that tough alligator skin, that bite probably felt like little more than a tickle. What a great sequence of photos. Love it when they tell a story!
The alligator was more interested in catching dinner anyway which was good news for Woody. Thanks for checking out this story!
Amazing set of photos, they are such fun. I am still amazed you are able to catch moments like these.
Well as always I greatly appreciate you checking these out Charlie and I’m thrilled you enjoy seeing the activity in the marsh.
I’m flabbergasted. Good thing the alligator ignored it. I wonder if he even felt it?
I think the gator likely knew his tail was grabbed by something or someone, but then really didn’t care. Since they have no natural predators out there they can afford to have a ‘don’t worry about it’ attitude. 🙂
Quite a daring woodstork! Kinda like the roadrunner getting one in on the coyote.
Some of these wood storks are more daring then smart at times. But maybe they can tell when the alligators are concentrating on a non-bird dinner. 🙂
Ha ha ha. Or earlier in the day one of the other woodstork’s started a conversation with “I double-dog dae ya … “
Oh that could indeed be the case, they are sneaky birds! 🙂
That’s an awesome sight. Crazy bird! In Woody’s defense though, I’ve seen gator tail on the menu before and tried it, too. It’s actually pretty good. However, the sample I tried wasn’t near as fresh as what Woody had… thank goodness. ;o)
Have a great week, Phil!
Mick
Thanks very much for checking these out and commenting Mick, I really appreciate it!
I don’t think Woody was looking for a meal of alligator and lucky for him the gator was not interested in a meal of bird. At least not at that moment. 🙂
See ya!
Oh hum …. And the crocodile feel something to just continue his walk? carefree youth!!!!
Have a nice evening Phil !
Woody was lucky the alligator was not interested in having a meal of bird on this night.
Thank you Sophie!
That was a bit of a liberty on Woody’s part! Great captures, Phil. Thanks for the smiles. 😀
I’m glad you got a smile from these shots Sylvia, we have a great time watching these guys especially when they start acting up like this. 🙂
Err, he really is asking for it, isn’t he?!!! Or maybe these guys are good friends and Woody’s playing with him! 🙂
Woody better hope that was his alligator friend because a mistake could be bad news. There were actually two gators out there that evening so good he picked the friendly one! 🙂
Too funny. Great shots.
Hey thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed seeing these guys!
Oh my gosh! I can’t believe he did that! Really taking a risk there! Very brave, Mr. Woody! 🙂
That Woody just may a bit too brave for his own good. But I suppose he guessed right this time when he decided he could fool around with the hungry gator.
How funny………….. !!
Those wood storks are almost as goofy as the spoonbills. 🙂
What a great moment to capture!
Thanks so much for checking these out and glad you liked seeing our stunt stork! 🙂
That is one courageous wood stork!
I think that wood stork is not quite right in the head. Usually it’s the spoonbills that act a bit nutty.
Hey Megan, sorry I have not been looking at your blog and been slack at responding to comments and stuff, my mom has been in the hospital and this weekend I signed the documents starting her on hospice. It’s been a rough ride lately. I have been trying to still get out to take wildlife photos and keep posting some as much as a therapy for me as anything. Talk to ya soon my friend and I know you always have my back.
Phil! Absolutely no need to apologize. And I hate to hear what’s going on with your mom – you have had one crummy year so far my friend. Thinking of you and your family!!
Your observations are both fascinating and amusing Phil. You must have studied their behaviour more than most.
Thank you for mentioning that Andrew I do indeed spend as much time studying their behavior as I do taking photos. Learning their behavior and characteristics helps me greatly in taking some of these type pictures.
Hooboy, he just dodged his very own “Darwin Award!”
Yes indeed, that wood stork is some piece of work. Usually it’s the spoonbills who act more goofy then most birds.
Yeah take a look, the hard-core Woody wears crocodile boots – or am I wrong… 😀
Well I’ll tell ya, that Woody is some piece of work for sure! He better have some nice thick boots on and being quick on the wing would help as well. 🙂