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.

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 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
A Snowy Egret was striking a pose on a pylon overlooking a full creek. This was about the only wading bird activity I saw on this trip.
The water was very high on both sides of the dike leaving the “Spoony Tree” standing in water. The pond level was too high for wading birds to feed.
For comparison here is the tree a couple months earlier when there were some Spoonbills around and a few Alligators lounged in the shallow water. The dirt around the roots has washed away and the tree appears dead. It won’t be a surprise to find out this tree has fallen over.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
First two images: 6/18/2019
Third image: 4/18/2019