Limpkins found in swamps and marshes in Florida they feed primarily on apple snails.

An apple snail on a bald cypress tree clusters of pink eggs on the tree trunk and the reeds

Incubation time for eggs is approximately 27 days

8 chicks hatched from this nest

A family portrait was impossible with the chicks exploring their new world.

This chick stood a away from the family pensively watching and learning

Three amigos formed a close knit bond that endured up to the time they matured

Adults hunted apple snails feeding insatiable appetites

Moving from locations adults carry a snail knowing the chicks would follow

One by one the chicks entered the marsh waters following the adult.Is this where the saying “keeping your ducks in a row” comes from? (Yes, I’m aware these are not ducks 😀)

Once on the other side of the marsh this little Limpkin takes its iconic place close to the adults mouth waiting for food.

At 2 weeks the parents would bring the brood to the same area to feed, the water level hadn’t receded after a heavy rain and neither the adults nor chicks were happy to have wet feet all day long.

Downy feathers fading giving way to pin feathers at 2 weeks

At 3 weeks of age the chicks have more than doubled in size and the pin feathers continue to fill in on their wings.  A couple of the chicks have disappeared from the family however, the dynamic bond continues with the amigo siblings sticking close by one another while the chick in the foreground remains a solitary creature.

At 6 weeks the chicks are nearly the size of the adults they are learning to forage for themselves yet they don’t pass an opportunity to slip under a parent in hoping for a bite

7 weeks passed only 4 chicks survived. What happened had an alligator or snake or bird of prey taken them… I choose not to dwell on the loss because it is the other side of wildlife and nature the cycle of life and my main focus is on the beauty and wonder side of the cycle.

I observed this Limpkin family for 2 months watching how the parents cared for their young and taught them how to survive. It was interesting that when the chicks were displaying signs of sibling rivalry the parents didn’t intervene they let the youngsters work it out on their own.  During the chicks growth there were moments that I felt a personal pride watching their accomplishments it was they were a part of my own family. But as all good things come to an end so did the chronicling of this feathered family, they grew up and went off in their own separate directions. I hope you have enjoyed the chronicle of this Limpkin family and are encouraged to discover nature for yourself. Now go take more photos!📷📷

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