A Roseate Spoonbill with wings full out dropped into the pond.

He was a bit crooked on the touchdown…

but still made a solid landing.

Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 23, 2020
A Roseate Spoonbill was on a steady course towards the Spoonie Tree.
Landing is a delicate matter, but little attention is paid towards occupied spots vs plenty of open space.
All good, no feathers ruffled.
This tree is affectionately known as the “Spoonbill Tree” by the many photographers that frequent this location.
Some days when I stop by there is lots of activity and this day in September was one of them.
A close look at the exposed roots and the leafless branches tell a story of a tree that is closer to the end of its life than the beginning.
I will not be surprised at any time to discover it has fallen over. In the mean time it is well used as a bird perch.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Green Pond, SC
September 20, 2020
A Roseate Spoonbill flew from a group at the far side of the pond to feed with this small group closer to me.
Flaps and feet down, wings wide down he dropped.
The line of birds already eating never looked up…
even when the new arrival nearly crashed into the line.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 23. 2020
I’m always curious about bird behavior, partly because knowing what to expect can help get a better image. Seeing these two Roseate Spoonbills wading towards each other, I wondered if they would just cross paths, join together, or would one cause the other to take flight.
This time, the younger Spoonbill, on the left, turned and went with the elder.
The older bird, seen in the rear below, has a green head and darker pink patches on his wings that come with age. The younger bird still has some fluffy white feathers on his head.
The pair stayed together, moving further away from me.
A few miles from where I hoped the Roseate Spoonbills, Would Come on Down I spotted another group with a few Great Egrets gathered in an old rice field impoundment. They took off before I got to a gap in the reeds where I could get an image.
They circled the area, staying low.
A few of the Spoonbills went right over my head before settling in another connected impoundment.