This Limpkin was one of many who were enjoying the Apple Snails along the shoreline of Lake Kissimmee. Limpkins have a specially designed bill, the tip of which acts almost like tweezers, to pry open and extract the Apple Snail from its shell. But they also feed on insects, worms, small crustaceans, and other mussels (All About Birds; Florida FWC)
I watched him for quite awhile when he suddenly leaned far forward, and braced himself for take-off.
What a delightful reminder of the miraculous ability birds have to just lift themselves up and fly away!
Within an instant he was headed over the marsh, silhouetted against the morning sky.
Birder's Journey 
A beautiful post from a bird with a an alarm bell for his song.
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So true, Berny! People who have them in their yards don’t think they’re quite so attractive:-)
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Such lovely photos!
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Thanks, Belinda! It was such a lovely bird, and such a very lovely morning!!
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I especially love the one where he’s poised for take-off!
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I really like that pose, too, thank you so much. As soon as I caught that, I know it should be easy to get at least a couple of flight shots.
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Lovely photos of the Limpkin, especially as it flies away, always amazes me watching quite big birds becoming airborne. Also interesting to know how well their beaks have adapted to be able to eat snails!
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Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments. It’s fascinating to learn these things about our fine feathered friends! 🙂
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Taking my breath away! Love this series, Bj!
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed the post, Amy. This Limpkin was a real treat to see.
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Thanks for introducing this bird, it is an interesting beak on the Limpkin BJ, I would like to see a close up of it, as I have not come across this bird before. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, I think the Limpkin׳s range is only in Florida and southward through the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. We’re lucky to have these cool birds in our area.
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What a beautiful sequence!!!
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So kind of you – I really appreciate your visit and comment!
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Nice shots! I’ve never seen one.
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I sometimes forget how unique the Limpkins are. In the U.S., they are really only found in Florida
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Great shots! I’ve only seen them in tall grasses, mostly hidden.
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They are very good at hiding in the vegetation. The one I saw here was happily foraging for Apple Snails right next to this dock, and hopped right up on the railing.
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What a very cool bird. Great photos of it!
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Thanks, Sue! Yes, it IS a cool bird. I never realized how unique Limpkins are in the US – so lucky that we have them in Florida.
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What a gift they have–and do they even appreciate it?? 🙂
Love this sequence!
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I think they do ;). They always look like they’re enjoying themselves up there!
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Great pics! I love seeing limpkins – always a treat.
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Thanks, Pam! I love the Limpkins, too, and this one was especially a treat!
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