Birders at the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge near Ansonville got a rare treat last week when a group of five wood storks were spotted wading in the area. According to the Richmond County Daily Journal, this is the first time wood storks have been sighted in the area. The birds’ normal range is much further south, including South America and the Caribbean, though regular sightings occur in Florida, Georgia and southern South Carolina.The visiting birds are juveniles, which are known to wander outside their expected ranges after fledging. While wood storks are not largely migratory, northern populations found in the United States will head south as temperatures dip. Fall is a great season for birders to see unexpected birds, and it is even possible to attract unusual species during migration with a bird-friendly backyard.
Have rare birds visited your yard during fall migration? Share your experiences in the comments!
Wood Stork
Photo © Terry Foote
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