For newbie Floridians or the uninitiated, the first sighting of a Roseate Spoonbill is a memorable event. You might hear, “Look at that Pink Flamingo”, or from the more observant, “Look at that Pink Flamingo with that deformed flattened bill”. A gentle correction is in order. Our Spoonbill, the Roseate, is one of six in the genus “Platalea”. These include the Eurasian, the African, the Black-faced from Eastern Asia, the Royal from Australia and New Zealand, and the Yellow-billed from SE Australia.
The Roseate Spoonbill is a year-round resident of Florida and the SE Gulf States of the U.S., but also found in the Caribbean, and in large areas of Central and South America. These large striking waders are active feeders, usually found in shallow fresh or brackish water, swinging their submerged bills side-to-side. Along with the color, it’s the peculiar spatula bill that catches your eye. It is lined with sensitive sensory nerves that causes it to snap shut involuntarily when it detects the unfortunate fish or crustacean. The chicks hatch with a straight bill; the spatula shape develops with maturation.
Roseates were pursued close to extinction by the plume hunters of the early 20th century, but they survived and have made a comeback since. They seem to be more numerous now, even compared to when I first started coming to Florida regularly, a dozen years ago. A “bowl” of Spoonbills are often found feeding along the berm, close to our home and have given me many close-up photo ops–they’ve adapted to the morning parade of human walkers and gawkers near their feeding pools.
The pinkness of the bird is determined by the amount of carotenoids in the ingested crustaceans. The juveniles are less pink and lack the more intense coloring seen at the shoulder in the adults.
It’s about time to say sayonara to Florida; our seasonal sojourn is drawing to a close and we are about ready to migrate northward with the other “snowbirds” and genuine aves.
Without breaking a sweat our Florida seasonal bird count has reached 97 this year, with a couple birding days still left. These are primarily resident birds, as the spring migration seems less evident down here. Oh, you do notice the newly arrived Swallowtail Kites soaring above and the occasional colorful warbler passing through, but for most they ask, “why leave”? This is the land of sunshine, plentiful food, beaches, and swamps, where the living is easy, even for the birds.
But there are new adventures waiting up north along the Chesapeake. I know the migrating Geese, Ducks, Swans, and likely the Loons will have left and the annoying non-migratory resident Canada Geese will have already built their nests at the shoreline. Bald Eagles and Osprey will be far along their reproductive pathways and the Osprey will become the most boisterous voice, calling warnings from their nesting platforms.
The monotonic but rhythmic call of the White-throated Sparrow will no longer be heard, but the Mockingbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Chipping Sparrows will have joined the chorus. I’m looking forward to seeing the acrobatic Swallows, Swifts, and Martins, as well as the Kingbird staking out his territory in the back yard. And I must quickly break out the Hummingbird feeders before these unique migrators pass me over and all settle in my friend Barbara’s yard–she keeps many more feeders than me, all filled and ready. I believe she has the local “record” for the most Hummers seen simultaneously at her feeders. Wasn’t it twelve, Barb? Keep up the good work, but leave a few for me.
All photos were wonderful. The first was my favorite with that drop of water falling off the bill. Safe travels north.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too, although I did not initially notice the drop. Just a lucky shot. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it when that happens.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So weirdlygorgeous. Thank you! Made my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that adjective, “weirdlygorgeous” and will make it a point to use it someday. I appreciate your comment and interest.
LikeLike
I’ve seen tons of Swallowtail kites soaring near our house. I enjoy watching them in action. Safe travels north.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard it said that they usually arrive here in South Florida by Valentine’s Day, but this year they were later than that. Interesting bird. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A WONDERFUL read as always with outstanding photographs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your positive feedback–much appreciated.
LikeLike
Spectacular shots. I particularly like the closeup!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It always seems to work best getting close, even if you can’t get the whole bird in the field.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I live on the Texas Gulf Coast and enjoy the spoonbills here; we also see a number of migrants in spring and large numbers of hummingbirds in fall, especially further down the coast. The wintering whooping cranes always draw us there for visits as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You live in a great birding area–I’ve only been there once but was rewarded. Would love to see a Whooping Crane. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Love the tree shot and yes the red-winged black birds are VERY vocal in the Northern climes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I like that one too. You don’t tend to see that bird perching in a tree very often, especially with that surrounding foliage. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is an exciting season to be “up north.” Have a good trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to it. Might swing by Magee Marsh in Ohio in May–it’s been several years since there last. Thank you for your comment.
LikeLike
Yes, why leave? Florida does have such a wide variety of birds. Your trip yielded a good number of them. Up north, you are right, we too have a lot of nesting going on. I will be coming down your way in a month or so. Will I still find birds?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The “snow birds” will all be gone and the migrating shorebirds and warblers will have passed through. You’ll still have the beautiful waders and may even see the summertime only birds such as Swallowtail Kite and Mangrove Cuckoo. I’ve still never seen the latter. Good Luck.
LikeLike
Thank you. You mentioned birds I rarely have seen and ones I never saw.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos and beautifully written story. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It was fun writing it and rereading it today months later. I appreciate your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on maisysabredavid.
LikeLike