…for the human visitors.
A swath of trees was removed this summer along the road leading to Lodge Pond at Donnelley WMA, opening some views into a tree line.
A Great Egret and Roseate Spoonbill were looking the place over.
The view from their perches didn’t change much, just that they could see down the entrance road if they were inclined to look.
Drapes of Spanish Moss gave the local a nice cozy look.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 3, 2021
Roseate Spoonbills like shallow water for feeding and general hanging around.
Unfortunately said water is not always so attractive for photographs.
And often involves even less attractive mud.
This duo seems to be assessing the local; they did not find it lacking.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 29, 2021
Or more importantly, follow lunch. The wading birds in the rear often reap the benefits of a meal stirred up by those in the lead.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 29, 2021
Another view of a recent wading bird gathering.
I know you shouldn’t ASSuME anything, but really when there are Roseate Spoonbills in a tree ahead of you wouldn’t you think everyone present would have seen them?
They are pink, after all, no camouflage available.
I saw them from a distance and hoped that they would stay put until I got closer.
One dropped down away from me but the second one made a big flapping display as he chose a pushing off point.
He got his balance and followed his pal out of sight.
Heard from my right: “what was that?”
This proves the point that it is easy to walk by some great subjects without even knowing they are there.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 29, 2021
More from Sunday… These birds were too far away to get clear images of their action and the water was dark, but they were fun to watch.
The Wood Stork in the middle with his wings out was trying to take a bath.
The water really wasn’t deep enough, but he kept splashing it around, along with some mud.
A few Roseate Spoonbills were busy feeding around the Wood Storks.
The tide was coming in and their window of opportunity to feed is narrow, based on the depth of the water.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 29, 2021
More images of the Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills from Sunday.
The Spoonbill on the right looked ready to take a nap.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 29, 2021
I was happy to spot this set of three Wood Storks and three Roseate Spoonbills clustered together with nice reflections.
And as occasionally happens, the group formed an even more visually pleasing arrangement.
It never lasts for long.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 29, 2021
This was my first time seeing Roseate Spoonbill chicks and I must say those little spoonbill beaks are quite cute. Those few sticks between me and them were a disappointment, but to be this close to a nest was pretty amazing.
Siblings.
Having a look around.
Testing out the gear.
From the boardwalk, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 29, 2021
A Snowy Egret landed in the fronds of a palm tree where a pair of Roseate Spoonbills had a nest.
The standing Spoonbill pushed at the Snowy Egret to move along. Not enough room here for all of us.
That didn’t work so both of the Spoonbills gave a squawk.
A double poke from the Spoonbills followed.
The Snowy Egret finally got the message.
