One of nature’s strangest-looking Birds, Shoebill Stork is remarkable for her huge hooked bill, which is similar in shape to a shoe. She uses her bill for catching and holding her slippery prey, the Lungfish. Shoebill Stork is a remarkable Bird of which little is known about, such as what is her place in the Order of Birds. Therefore, She has her own Family – the Balaenicipitidae. Perhaps Shoebill Stork is a connection to other Birds living and extinct, who live near marshes.
The strange and other-worldly Shoebill Stork was unknown to Europeans until the 1800s. However, the Ancient Egyptians knew Her well. They painted her images on the walls of their tombs. Perhaps, when they died, She quietly waited for them in the Otherworld, to connect them to the Spirits of the past.
Living in the papyrus swamps of Africa, Shoebill Stork shrewdly hunts in areas of low oxygen. Standing motionless in the sluggish water, She patiently waits for Lungfish to come up for air. When He does, She quickly thrusts her head into the water and catches Him. Afterwards, Shoebill Stork pushes Herself upright using her wings as arms.
Soaring on the thermals, Shoebill Stork finds suitable places for nesting. Together with her Mate, They incubate their eggs. With their huge bills, the two Shoebill Storks ladle water over the eggs, and later the hatched Chicks to keep them cool. After taking trips to get water, the Adults greet each other by clattering their bills. Imitating their elders, the young Chicks hiccup their own greetings.
Let this strange Bird take you to the past, back to your deep ancestors. When you seek your distant kindred, Shoebill Stork will wait for you. Do not let her odd appearance deter you, but let it give you joy. Silently, She will guide you home to your deep past.
1 comment:
Thank you for this beautiful message. :)
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