This Roseate Spoonbill got pushed out of the community tree but found a nearby perch to re-group.
This one dropped lower in the tree to get his own space, framed by the branches.
I’m sure I commented last year that I would never be surprised to see this tree had succumbed to the forces of nature but here it still stands.
January 916, 2020
We call it the Spoonie Tree because the Roseate Spoonbills often perch there, but it really is first come, first served and this year I’ve seen more Double-crested Cormorants than Spoonbills.
The Cormorants were just enjoying the sun and grooming, but the Spoonbills had a need to agitate.
Getting an image with all heads up didn’t work out that day.
The Snowy Egrets came and went, mostly ignored by the others.
January 16, 2020
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
It was a bit windy and cold on this late January day.
The few wading birds that were around huddled up against the sun drenched marsh grass.
The Great Blue Heron needed space, the others, plus a Common Gallinule chose to stick together.
Roseate Spoonbill doing the strut.
Then the shake!
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 6, 2020
I didn’t see the Spoonbill until he was almost on the ground.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 6, 2020
A very entertaining group including American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, a Great Egret and an Anhinga.
And an Alligator.
A pair of Roseate Spoonbills approached the pond where I was watching the White Pelicans and dropped low for a landing.
I focused on the bird in the lead as he circled towards the back of the pond.
He kept right on going passed a Great Blue Heron.
The pair landed with a couple of White Ibis and immediately began feeding.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
November 28, 2019
A small flock of Roseate Spoonbills took off from the rice field impoundment and headed towards a distant pond.
There didn’t seem to be any great alarm in their going and I hoped in vain they would circle back.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 28, 2019
More than other wading birds I see the Roseate Spoonbills often act like they are playing “king of the hill,” jockeying for the top spot or poking at each other to move along.
When pushed enough they take a less desirable spot on this little clump.
This pond is not tidal; the water level is controlled by the SC Department of Natural Resources and on this day it was high. There is an inlet behind where I was standing that is tidal and when the tide goes out the Spoonbills will fly over there to feed in the shallower stream. In the meantime they amuse themselves, and me, with tree antics.
May 2019, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
I love to watch any of the wading birds perform their preening ritual, showing off the flexibility of their necks. Add the pink and it gets even better!
