07 August 2014

Royal Spoonbill with video

It was a not-in-the-wild photo opportunity for this one, but it was so special to watch this beautiful wetland bird up close.

the 'textured' pattern showing on the bill may be the vibration-detectors that are actually inside - these water-birds can feed day or night with this inherent asset.


I was surprised to learn that this bird weight approx. 78 grams.  With a bill like it has I might’ve thought it’d be much heavier.







 mighty good sized koi-carp too!






Reading: Royal Spoonbill

16 comments:

jp@A Green Ridge said...

It's bill is as big as one of my wooden spoons!!! And those Koi fish are enormous!!...:)JP

Irma said...

Stunning photos and video of this spoonbill.
Perfect photographed, my compliments Carole.

TexWisGirl said...

i like his head shaking routine. :) neat bill, for sure!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

that is a huge bill. what a neat bird. so unusual. ( :

Lisa Gordon said...

How does he hold that beak up???
What a magnificent creature this is, Carole!

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

I like that pattern on the bill. There must be a reason. To break up the reflection when under water?

Germán Ibarra Zorrilla said...

Este ave es impresionante, muy bonitas las fotografías. Un saludo desde España, Carole.

Gail Dixon said...

What a beautiful spoonbill! I wonder what the offspring would look like if these mated with our Roseate Spoonbills? Anyway, I enjoyed the photos and video so much. Thank you!

Carole M. said...

thanks for your comments all, and to John, I've added a little note on the post answering your comment, "the 'textured' pattern showing on the bill may be the vibration-detectors that are actually inside - these water-birds can feed day or night with this inherent asset."

Brian King said...

Wow, that is a very cool bill! Actually, a nice looking bird!

Jeanne said...

This looks like such a fascinating bird Carole. I especially love this first shot and also think he has such beautiful eyes. So wise looking. Great photo op i think

Phil Slade said...

Sometimes there's a lot to be said for photographing captive birds. It allows close ups and chance to appreciate the features you would miss on a wild bird, often at a distance and with less than 100% views or enough time.

Marilyn said...

Really a treat, Carole. I get to see all your exotic birds, most of which we do not have here.

eileeninmd said...

Carole , what a cool bird.. The Spoonbills are neat.. Awesome photos and video.

Kay said...

What a fascinating bird this is Carole. I like the color combination. His bill is awsome and his weight is apr. 78 gram?? I would have never thought that.

Helma said...

You has made this magnificent bird or not photographed in the wild, but that does not matter. Now he's pretty close, and what a beauty !!!
Movie is also very beautiful!