Friday, May 28, 2010

Pic of the Day

Limpkin – Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Florida: Loxahatchee NWR rest on the east side of the Florida, Everglades just west of Delray Beach and is home to many of Florida’s avian specialties. One of these specialties is the Limpkin. Limpkins are found throughout the glades, and are commonly seen in Loxahatchee NWR searching for their favorite food, apple snails. Early morning is an ideal time to see and hear limpkins as they searches for apple snails in the shallow water impoundments within the refuge. The prehistoric wail of the limpkin is perhaps the most ancient of birdcalls and certainly attracts attention when heard. The Limpkin is among the oldest extant species, and the only member of the family Aramidae. It looks something like a cross between a crane and a rail.
This Limpkin’s search for Apple Snails was so intense it appeared to be unaware, or unworried of my presence. Its approached was so close I was able to shoot this close-up portrait. I actually had to move out of its way as bird walked passed be.
Nikon F5, 500mm f4, Ektachrome 100s

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