The three Roseate Spoonbill chicks in this nest were all vying for an opportunity to get fed.
The adults regurgitate their meals…
…and the chicks stick their beaks into the adult’s throat.
The adult didn’t seem to showing any preference, whichever chick stuck his beak in the right direction got something.
At this age the chicks don’t have much coordination so it was rather a free for all. Just guessing here and knowing they grow fast, this trio might be a week or ten days old.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
April 16, 2024
Wonderful set of photos, Ellen!
Thank you, Rebecca!
Wonderful, wonderful photos, Ellen!
Thank you, Liz! The Spoonbills are under tremendous pressure from development around their breeding areas, making it extra special to see some successfully reproducing.