Jabiru in Louisiana

7/31/2008 4:56 PM

Howdy folks,

While attempting (rainout!) to perform a shorebird survey on PRIVATE land near Sherburne South Farm, Josh Sylvest and I found an adult JABIRU! Photos were obtained by both of us. No bands were visible on either leg. The sighting occurred around 8:00am this morning.

The bird was initially with a flock of Wood Storks (as may be expected) and egrets, herons, spoonbills, and ibis. BUT after the Wood Storks flew, the Jabiru remained feeding and loafing for several more minutes (the bird flew off without being flushed, thankfully). It appears fairly loosely associated with the other storks; hopefully, it will stick around with them...

The bird headed, more or less, towards Sherburne South Farm around 8:45am. There should be plenty of feeding areas on S Farm! I suspect the horrible weather that started just after the sighting grounded the bird for today at least!

Photos are available upon request!

Respectfully,

Michael Seymour (and Josh Sylvest)
Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries
Louisiana Natural Heritage Program
mseymour@wlf.louisiana.gov