SET-TO a usually brief and vigorous fight or debate, per our friends at Merriam Webster

This was brief, and most definitely vigorous, and I’d say no clear winner but it was interesting to watch.

One Spoonbill and its mate were working on a nesting spot in the upper left of this palm tree. Presumably the female of that pair stayed out of this, off stage to the left.

The other Spoonbill was on his own, trying to get a nest started on the right side of the tree. Plenty of room for everyone, until there wasn’t.

The noises they were making caught my attention as I was going down the boardwalk.

No wonder they were squawking!

I wouldn’t have been surprised to see blood flying.

This went on for over 3 minutes, and at this point I couldn’t tell which bird was which.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
February 12, 2025