Wood Storks in west Alabama

It's supposed to be out of their range.

LEO Says:

This is the first observation in LEO about wood storks. We defer to local knowledge on whether sightings of specific species is unusual or not. A good range and observation source is EBird (see link). Here is some general comments about wood storks in Western Alabama.

AI Comment:

Wood storks are fairly common in west Alabama, particularly in late summer and early fall. While they are not typically known to breed in Alabama, they are regular visitors during their post-breeding dispersal. Here's a breakdown: * Status: Wood storks are listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but their population has been recovering and their range expanding. In Alabama, they are on the state list of endangered species. * Presence in West Alabama: They are regularly seen in the western Inland Coastal Plain region, especially near the Tombigbee River and in areas with lakes and catfish ponds in counties like Hale, Marengo, and Perry. * Seasonal Occurrence: You are most likely to see them in Alabama, including the western part, from June to October when they disperse from their breeding grounds (primarily in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina) in search of food. * Habitat: They forage in shallow freshwater wetlands, including marshes, swamps, lagoons, ponds, and flooded fields. They are often attracted to areas with falling water levels, which concentrate fish. So, while west Alabama isn't a primary breeding ground, it's a significant area for wood storks during their post-breeding wanderings, making them a common sight in the right season and habitats.