Turkey (and Spoonbill) Surprise

Leaving late from work but there was still enough light for a quick check of the ponds and creek around the corner. I was pleasantly surprised! Down in the creek area I noticed some Spoonbills in the creek near the bank.



I swung through the parking lot to get a better angle and was met with another surprise. A small flock of Wild Turkey were pulling seeds from the grasses under the power line towers.



Back near the creek, I took a few more Spoonbill shots. I have plenty these days but I love to get documentations of any birds, especially ones that are seldom seen here.



Just past the creek on the way out I noticed yet another Turkey heading toward the other parking lot. Brings the total to four for tonight. Nice!



Glad I took the long way towards home. Again.

Debby Approaches. Spoonbills Relax.

Not long after Air Force One zoomed past yesterday afternoon, Tropical Storm Debby began flexing some more moisture-laden muscles. I left work in increasing sprinkles before dark but still drove down to check on any new birding finds. Good thing I did.

Continuing my slew of Spoonbill sightings for the year, two more were in the creek that feeds the pond at the end of Kingspointe Parkway. These are different birds from the one I reported the other day. One is heading into adulthood and the other is definitely fully adult as told by the bald head.



I love the way the rain adds to the feel that the dark red on the adult feathers seems to create a dripping effect. Now, I just need to hope that we get a break in the clouds tomorrow. Jay Watch is scheduled for the weekend and this storm is only growing stronger...

Roseate Spoonbill At Dusk

After a long dry spell I am not one to complain about working overtime. It just means less daylight to scan for birds on the way home. The past few days I haven't been getting near the lakes until right at nightfall. I had a little light left to drive down the road by the office and was met by a pleasant surprise.

There in the waning light was a Roseate Spoonbill in the creek that feeds the small pond on the other side of the road.



It was busy sweeping the water for anything to snack on. I thought I saw a Spoonbill out of the corner of my eye on the way home the other night but that was a few miles down the road. This is a first sighting of one for me at this spot.



I love the backlit bill on this shot. Makes our birds look a bit like a fire breather.



This juvenile bird (told by the feathers still covering the head) continued to feed as I snapped away and then drove off. Seems Spoonbills are all over the place this year.