Wow, I didn't know what the inside of their mouth looked like. They sweep the big spoon-shaped bill back and forth in the water and snap it closed on a fish located by touch. Look at the ridges inside the bill, maybe helping hold the fish, or keeping the fish from escaping.
This one is preening, but I noticed the silver ban on the rightt leg and the red band on the upper left leg. Put on by scientists who study their distribution and movements.
Synchrony. Much of the flock was doing the same things at the same time.
This is a first year bird, notice the white feathered head and pale pink wings. It takes 2 years to reach adult plumage.
After resting and preening, they took off and went to feed. Looks like a big pink "M."
The group hanging together.
Today at Ding Darling there were over 50 Roseate Spoonbills in the first pond, quite an impressive number. And they were fairly close to the road, thrilling the birders and photographers who lined up to watch and snap. They were doing just about all the things Roseate Spoonbills do. Quite a show!
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