Can this year be over already?

Up and out early this morning to search for the perfect blip foto  (click on the blipfoto widget in the righthand column) for this last day of the year.  Always have a stash of stale bread (mostly bread crusts the grandkids simply won't eat...) so took that stash along.  I was delighted by the magnificent Wood Stork who appeared.  He disdained the taste of the bread after one tiny peck, but continued to linger close by and 'pose' for a few photos while he fished for a breakfast more to his liking.  These were taken looking down from the second floor balcony just outside my apartment.  He's a beauty!  As is the one Glossy Ibis.....  As always, click on a photo to get a larger view.

Love the texture of these feathers highlighted by a rising sun!

Please don't miss the lovely coppery sheen on my wing......