So, here is a really good value bird! This is a Yellow-Billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes), one of two species of Spoonbill we get in Australia. The scientific name actually means 'yellow footed spoonbill' which is as accurate as Yellow-Billed - although the legs of this species often dont look yellow because they can be coated in mud!
If you click on the images you can see a larger version, and in some of these you can see the items of food that the Spoonbill is flicking up into the air. I think most as small fish, but thats a bit speculative!
So, now it's over to you - click the blue button and off you go!
Fantastic photos! I've never seen a Spoonbill in person. They're very unique birds!
ReplyDeleteDon't work too hardLovely series of shots of the Spoonbill. Thanks for hosting and hope all goes your way at work this week.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking bird! I don't think we have any species of Spoon Bill here on the US west coast although I do think there is at least one on the East Coast.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant pictures. Spoonbills are so well designed for how they feed. Hope your trip is going well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a really cool bird, I can imagine the fun it was for you getting these captures. brilliant~
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful images, Stewart. I love the thin stripe along its head and bill. And the stripes on the tail. We have the African Spoonbill here and it's not half as interesting as yours! Thanks for hosting this meme. I'll link up tomorrow (Wed). Greetings Jo
ReplyDeleteThis past week I watched a Roseate Spoonbill as it fed, sweeping its bill from side to side as it walked slowly through shallow water. Your spoonbill, save for plumage color looks very much like our Roseate. Thanks to Wiki, I learned that they are genetically much closer relatives to each other than to other spoonbill species. Good luck in your work and travels. I am now on the road and, over the next two weeks, expect to be without WiFi and often without cellular service, traveling for family reunion and leisure.
ReplyDeleteOne I've never seen before!! It's terrific.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating species.
ReplyDeletewow, that one is a special one. I love the markings on it´s head.
ReplyDeleteSuperb images :)
love his 'tongs' for bill. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful study. And here I thought we had the only spoonbills. Our roseate spoonbills at least have prettier colors.
ReplyDeleteCracking good shots Stewart! Though it looks like the poor bird had missed most of his targets!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of the Spoonbill! Hope your work is going well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Thank you for hosting.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any Spoonbill photos in a long time. Such wonderful birds & great photos Stewart. In the first photo it looks like he/she's laughing
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool looking bird.
ReplyDeleteStewart, interesting bird. Plus splendid photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images of the Spoonbill!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so happy with that smiling, laughing countenance
I didn't even know there was a yellow Spoonbill ... now that is a piece of work. The fine black line that outlines his face, the almost invisible eye and the single black feather wafting over the rest of his tail. I am in awe ... I really love this bird and am so pleased that you posted him even if from Scotland :)Our Spoonbills are pink and not so distinguished looking, though also an awesome bird. Nature sometimes just gives me shivers :) Hope you are enjoying your travels ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
God surely has made some odd looking creatures in our world! That beak is pretty interesting!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors in his tail..Super photos of this majestic bird..Hope you aren't working too hard..
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of this bird, Stewart. I like seeing it, because we don't have any where I live. (I think there might be some like this in Florida, USA, but not in Connecticut, where I am.) Also, the overall "structure" of this bird reminds me of the "Great" Egrets and Herons. They all have a similar large body size/shape, and long looping neck. Plus a long bill. (They all are similar, but not identical. But it makes me wonder if they all originated from the same common prehistoric ancestor "type.")
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat bird, Stewart! I love the black lines detailing his face - gives him an interesting expression, lol! Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteYou are so fortunate to have seen this bird, Stewart. I've only seen them in captivity...:)JP
ReplyDeleteWow...
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