After seeing this and the other section about the hummingbirds, many of my dedicated reading audience (consisting solely of my wife) will no doubt think I am either turning "green' or effeminate.  Let me hasten to assure you that neither is true.

 

The other day we were going to my parents house and were walking up to door when Logan yelled, "Look at that weird bird!"

 

This described the situation perfectly as perched upon the power lines was an ENORMOUS, very odd-looking birdy.  It was about two and a half feet long, had a very long beak and crooked legs.  I will not describe it in further detail as there are pictures below but it was strange sight indeed.

 

We took a couple of pictures and then it took off in an awkward scramble of wings in a large tree nearby.  Suddenly the tree exploded with these birds!

 

There were two more of these same birds in that tree already but their large size and ungainliness made it appear as if there were many thousands (at least to my untrained eyes).

 

As the rest of my family boiled out of my parent's home trying to place the purpose of the turmoil in the front yard, one by one these birds took wing and soared ungracefully away.

 

If you have the foggiest idea what kind of bird this is please tell me via the comments section above so I can begin sleeping again.