Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) by Lee

One of the few birdwatching adventures that Dan and I have had, since my surgery, was to South Lake Howard Nature Park. Earlier in the day, we had gone to two other favorite birding spots, but various activities there prevented us from checking out those birds. Later that day, we decided to try one more time. Grabbed our cameras and went to the little Nature Park. [Winter Haven, FL] There was not much going on there, yet, we were able to watch a Limpkin as he searched for his dinner.

The Limpkin (Aramus guarauna), also called carrao, courlan, and crying bird, is a bird that looks like a large rail but is skeletally closer to cranes. It is the only extant species in the genus Aramus and the Aramidae Family. It is found mostly in wetlands in warm parts of the Americas, from Florida to northern Argentina. It feeds on molluscs, with the diet dominated by apple snails of the genus Pomacea. Its name derives from its seeming limp when it walks. We have written about the Limpkins before, and information can be found the Aramidae – Limpkin Family page. This page also has many other Limpkin photos we have taken.

Limpkin and Dan at South Lake Howard Reserve

Limpkins are active during the day but will also forage at night. Where they are not persecuted they are also very tame and approachable. Even so, they are usually found near cover.  They are not aggressive for the most part, being unconcerned by other species and rarely fighting with members of their own species.

The Lord created the Limpkins with some bold makings, yet, when they are busy searching, they can almost totally disappear from our view. The next few photos show a Limpkin searching and then disappearing. Yes, he IS in those last photos.

As I thought about the Limpkin’s ability to seem to disappear, at first I considered the way the Creator provided a way for it to be camouflaged. Also, there is another analogy that comes to mind.

“He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.” (Psalms 115:13 KJV)

As Christians, we are all given something to do for Our Savior. Many serve in tasks that place them in the open like Preachers, Leaders, Teachers, Ushers, Choir members, etc. There are also many that are behind the scenes serving the Lord through their task. It might be tending to the toddlers and babies, audio and sound helpers, ladies folding letters, and on and on. When these servants are visible, they are very handsome or as pretty as the Limpkins, yet when they are busy, they just seem to disappear. The Lord sees all of our works, no matter where we serve Him.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17 KJV)

Wordless Birds