The photographs below are only `record` shots as the bird was some distance away and the final images have been pretty heavily cropped, but the bird can clearly be seen feeding with its particular `sweeping` motion of its unusually shaped bill. To see a Spoonbill this active makes a pleasant change as normally when you see them they are asleep with their bill tucked under their wing.
This bird looks to be a juvenile and is probably from mainland Europe, where they are known to disperse from in August, although this species does breed in small numbers in Britain. The majority of these birds will spend the winter around the Mediterranean and West Africa, although some do stay in Britain.
That was a great find John and a nice tick in the book.
ReplyDeleteHi John...Wow what a amazing looking fellar with the huge bill.
ReplyDeleteYour a lucky guy...your shots are definately very good to see what it is !!
I wouldn't want to carry that bill around with me if I was a bird!! : }
Grace
I find it so interesting that you have a spoonbill, as I associate it with warmer climates (like Louisiana and Florida, over here, where the roseate spoonbill is found). I don't know much about spoonbills, overall, so perhaps there is a much wider habitat for them than I presumed.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful bird to see... lovely images.
ReplyDeleteHi John.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another excellent posting. Your expertise and corresponding photos is a wonder to behold. Thanks John and thank you for your supportive comment on my latest posting.
In peace and respect, Gary
Thanks Roy, it`s been a few years in coming, but we were due another one! ;)
ReplyDeleteJ
Hi Grace, thankyou very much.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be perfectly adapted to having that strange bill, it is very weird the way they feed by `sweeping` the bill from side to side with the bill open, looks like it shouldn`t work, but it does!
J
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a bird that you associate with warmer climates, but that may say something about the way our climate is changing?! These birds breed all over central and southern Europe and other species breed in Africa and Asia.
J
Thanks Andrew!
ReplyDeleteJ
Thankyou Gary, you are far too kind!
ReplyDeleteAs for my comment on your blog, I truely meant it.
Your friend,
J
Great find John.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
What a wonderful thing to see. I imagine a sight like this must be a very high point for you. The bird is really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thanks John, although I didn`t actually `find` the bird, it had been reported by the RSPB warden. Still great to see nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteJ
Hi Bazza,
ReplyDeleteYes, this is the sort of bird that makes all that trudging around in the wet and seeing bugger all worth while! ;)
J
Great find John. One bird I'd like to see.
ReplyDeleteYou got some good shots there too.
Thanks Keith,
ReplyDeleteThey are `weird` looking birds, with that huge bill! It is a wonder they mange to feed!
J