Wood Stork in Missouri

Birders in Missouri have had an excellent year for observing post-breeding dispersers in our state. A Roseate Spoonbill, Neotropical Cormorants, White Ibises, A Tri-colored Heron, a Common Moorhen, White-winged Doves, and others have found themselves far away from traditional stomping grounds. My favorite wanderer was photographed by Marvin D. at Four Rivers Conservation Area on August 12.



On July 28 this immature Wood Stork was first sighted at the Four Rivers Conservation Area near Rich Hill, Missouri in the extreme west central part of the state. There have only been a handful of Wood Stork sightings in Missouri since birders began to keep accurate records near the turn of the 20th century. The bird is very cooperative, and, for the most part, has been seen in the exact location of the original sighting. Marvin and I were lucky enough to catch its early morning open beak swishing fishing technique. Seems to be very effective for catching small fish.