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.
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
Yes, it was a marvelous sight!
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area
October 23, 2020
Flying in from the far side of the pond.
It’s all about following the food.
Oops, need to be a bit closer.
Now he’s ahead of the pack.
And immediately started eating
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 Roseate Spoonbill was looking out over a marsh from his perch in this gnarly tree.
As we passed he started a series of stretches.
All in preparation for liftoff, straight up and not quite was I was expecting.
