The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recommended changing the status of the Wood Stork from endangered to threatened. Federal scientists assert that the Wood Stork is expanding its range and adapting to habitat changes. The 2006 breeding season marked the first time since the early 1960's that scientists estimated there were more than 10,000 nesting pairs of birds. Audubon of Florida scientists who monitor the wood stork at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida believe the status change is premature. They cite that this year in the Sanctuary Wood Storks only laid 40 nests opposed to 600 the year before. While 1,428 fledglings were recorded in 2006, 2007 has yet to produce an egg. This year's drought felt throughout the southeast will undoubtedly translate into fewer hatchlings as Wood Storks only breed if there is an abundance of wading pools and feeding grounds. Help send a message to the US Fish and Wildlife Service that we would like to see more evidence of the Wood Stork's recovery before it is removed from the Endangered Species List.
