A trio of Roseate Spoonbills was feeding in shallow water, weaving around a few Alligators.




Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 2, 2023
A trio of Roseate Spoonbills was feeding in shallow water, weaving around a few Alligators.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 2, 2023
I took these images from a boardwalk, above the action, in the late morning when the sun was nicely angled into this corner.
From this angle I could really see how the bird was rotating his wings, not just flapping.
The maintenance crew had been flushing the water in this pond.
I could see the bottom suspect that it is some kind of cement or manufactured material to hold in the water and ensure the alligators can’t burrow out.
This fellow wasn’t having great success on cleaning his shoulders, which may explain why he kept at it.
Taking a pause…
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
January 20, 2023
A Roseate Spoonbill walking a branch after landing, still flapping his wings.
Prime spots to the left were already occupied.
Fortunately for me, he stopped right there with a nice background created by a shedding tree.
And he settled in for a bit.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
January 20, 2023
I was delighted to see so many Roseate Spoonbills on our January trip to Florida.
These are such fascinating birds, both in their look and behaviors.
And I can’t resist taking pictures of them in flight…
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
January 20, 2023
This Wood Stork was taking a break as two Roseate Spoonbills worked the shore behind him.
The water wasn’t attractive and the mud, well is mud. But there was a decent reflection.
And a Tricolored Heron photo bomber.
Perry Pond, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston SC
December 4, 2022
As is often the case with a large gathering of birds as seen in my previous post, it can be hard to know which action to watch.
A flying Roseate Spoonbill always takes precedence.
Many of the birds, like this Great Blue Heron, were just standing around.
Finally the Roseate Spoonbill took a break from feeding. You can see he his young by the feathery fuzz on his head and those two-toned pink feathers on his rump.
Perry Pond, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston SC
December 4, 2022