This year at the end of March Florida Fish and Wildlife biologists found that there were 22 Wood Stork nests and 19 adults, 18 Great Egret nests  and 27 adults, 17 Cormorant nests and 36 adults, 2 Anhinga nests and 1 adult.

This is considerably less than last years totals and the numbers are definitely down not only here but throughout all of South Florida .The large amount of rain that we had earlier this year combined with the water being released from Lake Okeechobee has resulted  in the Wood Storks foraging areas being flooded,the water being too deep and thus depriving them of food.  There is some speculation that some Wood Storks are starving.  In addition many colonies in the Everglades have failed to nest because of the lack of food.
As a result our colony here in BallenIsles may well be the largest breeding colony in South Florida.

A later report indicated that many of the Wood Stork nests had three chicks some had four chicks as compared to the usual two.  It would be unusual  but not impossible for the third or fourth chick to survive.  Chicks that survive until four weeks old are considered to be viable.

Florida Atlantic University Department of Biological Sciences are also conducting surveys every two weeks to establish what food is being fed to the Wood Stork chicks and from where it came.  Last year it was established that 85% of this food was Sunfish and small marsh fish. 

It is quite fascinating the steps taken to undertake the survey.  Before entering the colony they locate active nests and an appropriate entrance point from the shore to limit disturbance.  Once in the colony, they move frequently so that no nest is disturbed for more than 30 minutes.  Chicks often regurgitate in the presence of humans and this is collected for analysis
Once a chick regurgitates they leave bait fish to compensate for the loss of food.  The adult Wood Storks leave their nests when the survey is being done but return to their nests within less than10 minutes after the survey team has left the island.

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (a Federal Authority) lists the Wood Stork as an endangered species and has issued guidelines  for the management of their habitat in the southeast region.  Some of these guidelines are advisory whilst many others are mandatory.  Going forward it is clear that great care should be taken to preserve this extraordinary breeding site
that we are so fortunate to have right here in BallenIsles.  With continuing care and protection it should remain a marvelous part of our great community.  Our own bird island is truly worthy of a National Geographic special!