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Sarasota News Leader January 25, 2013 Page 87 join their cloacae. He then spurts his sperm Dear Otus, into her and fertilizes her eggs. This act of love Eric here. I followed your advice and recently is most charmingly called "the cloacal kiss." took a drive out to the Celery Fields. Alexis So, dear readers, now you know how "birds and I were amazed at the abundance of wilddo it"! And I have not forgotten my promise life, especially the avian variety. to take you ab ovo usque ad mala. On page One pond clogged with bulrushes was teem82, I have included a photo of Ardea Alba's ing with a variety of birds. Unfortunately, few two ludicrously adorable chicks, 'the apples' wanted to come out to socialize. We should of their parents' eyes! have brought a tape recorder, though. The vaArdea, devoted to Alba and her chicks, re- riety of songs and calls was astounding. tained her beauty but became somewhat staid, Before we gave up and headed home, this litmatronly and, at times, a bit shrewish. tle creature (pictured) decided to emerge long Alba, well, he remained wildly in love with Ardea and never lost his "boyish charm." One day, a clueless Wood Stork was making its way home to his nest and came too close to Alba's nest. Before I knew it, Alba was up and at it again! A feathered Peter Pan. enough to pose for a couple of photos. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea what bird it is (the Florida Audubon app on my iPad is only useful if you already know what you're looking for). So I thought I would ask you to identify this relation (albeit distant) of yours. Otus All the best, Eric Male Boat-Tailed Grackles abound at the Celery Fields right now. File photo