This wise-looking stork was the guardian of Wat Simeuang Temple, in downtown Vientiane, for years, and was one of my favorite parts of visiting the temple. He sat on a stupa in the backside of the temple, clacking his beak and keeping a keen eye on visitors. About a month ago, tales and photos that the bird had died spread across my social media channels, and I thought at first that it must be a hoax, but it was confirmed to have fallen to its death on the fence posts below its perch. RIP to the feathered temple guardian.
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