South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) notes a record number of wood stork nests in 2022.
Wood storks were reclassified from federally endangered to federally threatened in 2014.
Much of the wood stork population’s recent growth in the United States has occurred in South Carolina. While the highest numbers of nests remain in Florida, the South Carolina Lowcountry – particularly the ACE Basin. Just in the last decade, the area accumulated the highest densities of wood stork colonies along the East Coast.
The rise in recent years could be attributed in part to storks moving up from Florida. During years when the Everglades are less suitable for nesting and foraging, the storks migrate. The increased numbers are also a testament to the successful management of impoundments and wetlands conservation efforts in the ACE Basin. It is a triumph for state and federal biologists but also for private land managers. Their wetlands management greatly benefits wading and shorebirds in addition to waterfowl.
Wood storks are larger than other wading birds and require a lot of food in areas they plan to nest.
The birds forage for food in tidal impoundments, flooded forests and other floodplains. Here, receding water forms shallow pools that trap fish and make easy, fulfilling meals for the wood storks.
“We have this diversity of wetlands where storks can feed,” said Christy Hand, wading bird biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “And it means that if one type of wetland is not optimal for storks, they have several different options.”
Source: https://www.dnr.sc.gov.
