These have to be some of the coolest, most magnificent creatures around....

[djean111]

2. Gorgeous and beautiful. Thank you!

And, much as I love seeing this picture, I hate that the picture is out there, because some asshole with a gun will go looking for it.

My Florida neighborhood (beneath Tampa/Brandon) is filled with sand cranes and peacocks (someone who raised them left and abandoned them, they are doing VERY well) and is right next to a little-known sanctuary with cranes and coyotes and such. We are always worried that someone will sneak in and start bagging what they consider "game".

Although if the peacocks get as numerous as they are on Longboat Key, all bets may be off.

Hopefully, those beautiful creatures will take over when the waters rise and make much of Florida "lowlands", and the houses are gone.