


The Roseate Spoonbills are the only type of spoonbill in the Western Hemisphere. Although they visit us often, their breeding grounds in Florida are mostly in the mangrove swamps and coastal marshes, lagoons and bays south of us (FWC). The birds above are young, as noted by their pale soft pink plumage. As they mature, they develop deeper pink wing feathers and distinct head markings, as seen below (National Park Service: Everglades).


Audubon describes the Roseate Spoonbill as “Gorgeous at a distance and bizarre up close” (Audubon), which is a pretty accurate description!
Beautiful and graceful they are.
Thanks for the info!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always interesting to learn more about them.
LikeLike
Amazing photos of the beautiful spoonbill! I’ve never seen anything like this before, they look very much like Flamingos. Absolutely gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love their colors!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That Audubon quote is a riot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought so too!
LikeLike
What grace! What majesty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally!
LikeLike
Nothing quiet like a Spoonbill 😁. They can act like clowns, and you caught their personality nicely here. They should be just getting ready to nest around now. Even better they have started nesting in the SC Lowcountry 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice post and wonderful photographs.
The “something different” of the bird world.
It’s always a treat when we get to add a bit of pink to our outings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, indeed!
LikeLike
Amazing birds – thank you for sharing them with us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And they are so worth sharing with those who don’t get a chance to see them!☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images, BJ. I think that description is accurate as well. Great information too! I wondered if they got their coloring from their food like Flamingoes?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I have read exactly that, they get their coloring in large part from the kinds of prey they eat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bizarre, but boy do we love them! A great set, Carol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗 Absolutely
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are a beautiful Spoonbill BJ. Lovely reflections captures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! This is my delayed response as I was actually in the hospital right about the time you posted your comment😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear that BJ, so glad you are feeling better 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
How I would love to see one of these birds in the wild. Lucky you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are certainly very lucky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That description – gorgeous at a distance, bizarre up close – is so true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed, Kathy!
LikeLike