20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Shoebill Stork

A shoebill stork stands at the edge of the water channel in the Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia. This marshland is one of the few habitats left for this highly endangered bird. These storks can stand motionless for hours waiting the grab a fish. In this area the local villages and people out fishing on their canoes report the location and monitor nests to help ensure the safety of young storks. This voluntary program managed through African Parks has helped increase the number of shoebills surviving to adulthood in Bangweulu.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Zambia
Camera: ILCE-7RM4
Copyright: © Beverly Houwing