The Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) is one of the two species of Spoonbills found in Australia. This species has a black beak (and what a beak it is!), whereas the other species has a Yellow (or pale) bill. The second species is called the Yellow-billed Spoonbill, which is a very useful name!
This Royal Spoonbill was feeding at Werribee - and was moving very fast. It was moving backwards and forwards in the shallow water of a pool, and also moving its head from side to side. All in all there was a lot of motion!
In a couple of the shots you can see where the bird has left up its head, presumably after making contact with a food item. One of the shots shows the bird with a small fish.
There were at least 20 of these birds scattered around the edge of the pool, but this one was the most tolerant of my presence.
What a great bird!
As ever, to join in with WBW click on the link below. SM
Interesting bird. Well shown Stewart
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteLooked like it was enjoying itself! YAM xx
Great shots Stewart. Thank for hosting and I hope you have a lovey week ahead
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a bill..great shots...
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteMy what a bill. Looks like over-kill for that little minnow.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a great one!
ReplyDeleteWell adapted! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAle fajne! Widziałam kiedyś warzęchę. U nas są rzadkie, przylatują sporadycznie. Była bardzo daleko i nie miałam szansy zrobić dobrego zdjęcia.
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