Turning the eggs

[Ira Runyan]

I went by one of the Viera Wetlands Limpkin nests this morning to check things out. As I arrived a Limpkin was standing in the nest busy turning 4 eggs.



The bird made sure that all the eggs were turned and positioned just right.



After all the eggs were where it wanted them, it sat on the nest to keep them warm.



Soon the Limpkin began calling to it's mate while sitting on the eggs. After calling for about 30 minutes, it's mate showed up and there was a changing of the guard.

[Eric D]

Nice shots Ira!! I was there Sunday and saw the same action.

[SARtech]

Wonderful captures and story. Do they ever have a problem with loosing nests due to flooding there?

[scott-devon]

Beautiful shots, and a nice series.

[Ira Runyan]

Sad news..... The Limpkin nest has been destroyed according to this report sent to me.. "This afternoon around 6:30pm a friend reported that she watched the heartbreaking event of a large gator destroying the nest and eating the eggs while both parents tried to lure it away from the nest."

[SARtech]

Oh how sad... guess I was worried about the wrong catastrophy.
They will likely build another nest, no?

[CaraRose]

What a shame

I hope they build another.