Turning the eggs

IraRunyan

I went by one of the Viera Wetlands Limpkin nests this morning to check things out. As I arrived a Limpkin was standing in the nest busy turning 4 eggs.



The bird made sure that all the eggs were turned and positioned just right.



After all the eggs were where it wanted them, it sat on the nest to keep them warm.



Soon the Limpkin began calling to it's mate while sitting on the eggs. After calling for about 30 minutes, it's mate showed up and there was a changing of the guard.

LakeLady

Wow. I feel blessed when I even hear a Limpkin. You were definitely blessed!

IraRunyan

Sad news..... The Limpkin nest has been destroyed according to this report sent to me.. "This afternoon around 6:30pm a friend reported that she watched the heartbreaking event of a large gator destroying the nest and eating the eggs while both parents tried to lure it away from the nest."

Harryb

I was getting captures of the parent and the nest this evening at 5 PM. I saw a large gator (around 7 feet) entering the water a few yards from the nest.

I was relieved when it appeared that the gator was not paying attention to the nest. Looks like my relief was premature.

This is a real bummer. I have been going to the wetlands daily hoping to get captures of the new born chicks.

IraRunyan

Harryb wrote:

This is a real bummer. I have been going to the wetlands daily hoping to get captures of the new born chicks.

As was I......... What's the chance of finding another Limpkin nest in the open. Some things are just not meant to be.

troylim

Very nice, I got some pics of this bird when i shoot with 70-200.
Now I am hoping to see them again.

Gale

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!
What a shame

troylim

Damn gators. Sad story.