Attempt at a Royal Spoonbill

[articblooms]

During our trip to NZ we saw several royal spoonbills. They were pretty shy and with my measley 200mm I wasn't able to get a decent image. But they are such cool looking birds I figured I'd share what I was able to come away with for those who may not have seen them before (like myself up until a couple of weeks ago). In addition to a short lens the birds were backlit in pretty harsh light but here goes...

http://www.pbase.com/drr1531/image/106727681.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/drr1531/image/106727682.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/drr1531/image/106727683.jpg

[Ric Grupe]

A cool bird, indeed! :thumb

Glad you shared. :D

[dlplumer]

Nice shots Dan :thumb :thumb

[articblooms]

Thanks for the commments, guys. Half way through our NZ trip, I was already planning to go back for a bird photography trip. Just pack less cloths, more lenses...:dunno

[stevehapp]

Nice ones Dan.
I love the way they move their bills sideways through the water, sifting for food.
They are quite regal.

[Maestro]

Yes, they are neat. Living here in Texas, I have quite easy access to roseate spoonbills on the coast about 5 hrs away. They are beautiful birds and yours is no exception.

[articblooms]

Thanks for the comments. I was really suprised at how fast the spoonies moved when feeding. Both swishing their bill side to side and walking. They cover a lot of territory. Interestingly we saw them roosting in trees below sea cliffs miles from the closest marsh/estuary where they feed. Presumabely they like the security of the trees in secluded, inaccessible locations.