Roseate Spoonbill and Florida Softshell Turtle I ever ate!
The pink one and the Glossy Ibis both fit nicely into the turkey fryer. There was room enough for the turtle too.
No. I didn't go "Survivor" on you. These wetland inhabitants are having enough trouble keeping their heads above water without me ingesting them.
The Roseate Spoonbill (along with other wading birds) were nearly hunted to extinction for their feathers. Their plumage was used to decorate women's hats in the early 1900's. Fortunately, this fashion statement went extinct before the birds did.
The turtle is still being pursued for its meat. They are considered a gourmet meal in Asia and parts of the US. They are carnivorous too. Don't put your finger near them, it might go missing. Same applies to skinny dipping males concerning the fifth appendage.
They are all suffering from loss of habitat and pollution. Poor guys.
And speaking of Holiday Gift Giving, a squeaky clean new copy of "Destroying Demons On the Diagonal" makes a great stocking stuffer (even in Kindle form) for that armchair wanderer you know and adore.
Find it here on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1466482443/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=34211540507&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18373047671724108632&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=t&ref=pd_sl_1nb522vu14_b
Think of it as buying me one gallon of gas for Barley.
Be well and don't give up your plumage.
