Spoonbills!!!

I never saw a Roseate Spoonbill prior to moving to Florida. These are striking looking birds, often called Rosies or Spoonies (or, as my golf buddy calls them - "Flamingo Platypus"). These birds are waders and are really only seen close to shore. And southern shores at that - generally southern Florida and Texas in the US and internationally in Mexico, the West Indies and S. America

The chicks are white, but I have never seen a nest or nestling around where I live. There are 2 or 3 adults that put in appearances here , but no indication of any nesting activity. The uniquely shaped bill is for feeding by sweeping it from side to side and scooping up whatever they encounter. They have a wingspan of over 4 ft, which gives a majestic look while in flight.

I have never heard the sounds that they make, but it's described as a croak or a cluck. I have only seen a flock of these birds one time; usually they are alone or in a small group. But they seem to get along with others!

These magnificent birds were hunted nearly to extinction in the 1900's by plume hunters interested in their feathers, but have recovered with protective laws.

My feeling is that you can never see too many photos of Spoonbills!