In this artist blog, learn about the Snail Kite, Studio Sculpture Spotlight: Snail Kites, learn about the renaming of Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge, catch a glimpse of clay sculpting in the studio, and finally, watch an up close and personal video of a Snail Kite trying to eat an apple snail.
Dear Friends,
This week, I want to highlight the incredible Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), a symbol of South Florida's wetlands and an environmental barometer for the region. This bird of prey has evolved a uniquely curved and slightly off-center beak that allows it to feed on the apple snail - their primary food source. Because its diet is so specific, it is vulnerable to changes that affect the habitat of its food source.
Today, the Everglade Snail Kite faces significant challenges. Listed as an endangered species by both Florida and the federal government, its population has declined due to habitat loss, water quality degradation, and unsuitable water levels in the Everglades. The sight of these raptors hovering over the Everglades’ sawgrass is a mainstay of our Florida heritage. Protecting them means protecting the intricate ecosystems they inhabit.
I do occasionally come across Snail Kites on my frequent forays out into the wilds of Florida. The photographs above are of a bird I came across late one afternoon while on my airboat. I was on the north side of Lake Okeechobee. I enjoyed watching and photographing this bird that had just found his afternoon snack, and I was trying not to interrupt his meal.
Let's all hold this amazing bird in our hearts and minds and be good stewards of the land and water. In doing so we can protect this vital resource for generations to come.
-Geoffrey
If you're curious to see this remarkable raptor in action, check out this insightful article from Audubon!
See One of the World’s Coolest, Most Specialized Raptors in Action
Snail Kite numbers in Florida dipped to a worrying low a decade ago. Since then, an influx of exotic snails has helped the endangered birds rebound.
Authors: Mac Stone and Alisa Opar
Snail Kites soar over Florida wetlands, scanning for apple snails below. When the birds spot their prey, they turn in toward the wind, spread their wings wide, drop, and grab their quarry in an acrobatic assault that generates the merest splash...
Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound Beach, courtesy of USFWS
The Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge exemplifies the coexistence of natural beauty and conservation in South Florida. This pristine environment, encompassing in Atlantic coastal ridge and barrier island, supports a remarkable diversity of plants and wildlife.
About Nathaniel P. Reed: He was an avid outdoorsman with an unparalleled passion for restoring the Everglades. He was a master of words, bastion of principle, and a constant provider of sound counsel. He had irreverent wit that was matched equally by kindness. His encouragement to do what is right and never give up has inspired generations of conservationists. What he gave to America’s Everglades is beyond measure. — Phil Monahan
(July 22, 1933 – July 11, 2018) He started his career in the family real estate and hotel business in Florida from which his concern for the environment steered him in public life. He was an American environmentalist and political aide from Florida who served under six Florida Governors including as an environmental adviser to Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk Jr. in the 1960s. He was also Assistant Secretary of Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the United States Department of the Interior from 1971 to 1977 serving under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, where he co-wrote the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Beyond his government service, he helped found 1000 Friends of Florida and has served as both president and chairman of the board of the organization. He served on the boards of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Geographic Society, Yellowstone National Park, Everglades Foundation and Hope Rural School.
Studio Sculpture Spotlight
The life-size Snail Kites are a joy to create. They are amazing birds and we are privileged to observe them. —Geoffrey
Foundry Focus
When you visit the gallery, you see the finished sculptures, but the magic begins at the foundry. Here are two photos of works that have since been completed. The top is a school of fish to be assembled into a reef scene. Below, molten bronze is poured, on its way to taking shape as a sculpture.
Please enjoy this Video of a Snail Kite with an apple snail.
Snail Kite 2: Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Courtesy of Danny Rohan. Federally endangered Snail Kite struggling to open a large Island Apple Snail. The kite eventually gives up on this snail.
Let's continue to marvel at and protect the wonders of our natural world.
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