Yes, this dead tree is still standing, well more like listing.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 21, 2025
Spoonie Tree Through The Fog
Tag Archives: Spoonbill Tree
Roseate Spoonbill, Landing, Oops–Not Landing
I spotted this Roseate Spoonbill heading towards the Spoonie Tree, looking to make a graceful landing.
Or so I thought…
For no reason that was apparent to me, he just kept on going…
…and going…
I waited patiently and he circled back…
and executed a successful touchdown.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 2, 2025
Roseate Spoonbills in the Spoonie Tree
A few Roseate Spoonbills continue to come and go around the big pond at Donnelley WMA.
Vegetation is really greening up in and around the pond.
Last week the water was low so the base of the “Spoonie Tree” was fully exposed. And yes, I remain amazed that the tree is still standing.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 25, 2025
Fall Colors Around the Pond
The season is changing, looking more like autumn each day.
This was at the end of October when the changing hues of the grasses made a nice backdrop.
The water level in the pond was quite high. We’ve heard there is a plan to lower it sometime this month which will attract more birds with easier feeding opportunities.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 30, 2024
Roseate Spoonbill in the Spoonie Tree
There’s not much more I can say about the Roseate Spoonbill, other than that I like them… the color, that crazy looking bill, and what a delight it is to see them in South Carolina.
After the Landing in the Spoonie Tree, this one settled in then the preening commenced:
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 4, 2023
Roseate Spoonbill Landing in the Spoonie Tree
A single Roseate Spoonbill came flying in to land in the Spoonie Tree.
I didn’t see the alligator at the time, you can just make him out down at the water line.
He made a pretty smooth landing…
…and walked it the last few feet.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 4, 2023
Landing On The Top
The Spoonie Tree remains an attraction for the wading birds, even the precarious looking top.
It’s a balancing act.
Even a Wood Stork took a turn.
Meanwhile, a few other birds stuck to their spots on the lower branches.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 30, 2023
Wanna Rumble? Part 3
It turned out to be more about something to do than possession of the branch for the Great Egret and he soon dropped into the water.
The Roseate Spoonbill settled in…
… had a stretch…
…worked one leg…
then the other…
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 19, 2023
Wanna Rumble? Part 2
The Great Egret won this standoff, with the Roseate Spoonbill re-locating.
A quick maneuver…
…flaps up…
And the Roseate Spoonbill settled on the other side of the tree.
While the Great Egret took the high point on the branch.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 19, 2023
Wanna Rumble? Part 1
I try not to anthropomorphize when watching bird behavior, but this scene unfolding in the Spoonie tree sure made me think of a territory rumble.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 19, 2023