A rare visitor in the UK, Exminster Marshes RSPB, 1st June 2012.
I promised Pertinax & Jordan some strange photos this year. I think this shot qualifies: it rather reminds me of a pterodactyl.
A rare visitor in the UK, Exminster Marshes RSPB, 1st June 2012.
I promised Pertinax & Jordan some strange photos this year. I think this shot qualifies: it rather reminds me of a pterodactyl.
Thank you. Spoonbills are glamorous but rather inactive birds. This one spent most of its time asleep and I was actually rather lucky that it one was flushed by someone walking across the marsh. It circled a couple of times, giving me the chance for some photos and then glided back to its favourite pool.
Interesting shot - it looks as if it's in breeding plumage, with a yellowish hint to its nape. I hope that the recolonisation of the UK gathers pace, although I don't suppose they'll return to Putney, close to the WWT reserve, where they were apparently breeding in 1523!
Interesting shot - it looks as if it's in breeding plumage, with a yellowish hint to its nape. I hope that the recolonisation of the UK gathers pace, although I don't suppose they'll return to Putney, close to the WWT reserve, where they were apparently breeding in 1523!
Yes, breeding in the UK is infrequent to say the least - but it could recolonise from Holland. As you say, this bird was in breeding plumage, but it did have black tips to its primaries which my book says means that it was quite young.
interesting that this species is so rare in Britain, here in the Netherlands they are increasing in numbers and there are quite some breeding colonies, including one 3 kilometers from my home.
I think the biggest problem seems to be crossing the canal, because I think the habitat is suitable for spoonbills.
