I never tire of watching spoonbills as they swish their remarkable bills back and forth through shallow waters. It was a fabulous treat to watch this male vigorously bathing.
Male and female Royal Spoonbills develop nuchal crests during the breeding season. Males’ crests can be up to 20cm long while females’ crests are shorter. I believe this bird is likely to be male. Other signs of breeding readiness are the yellow patches above its eye, the yellow wash on its underparts and the small red patch on its forehead.
In this shot I really like the water splashes and the texture on its bill. I think the glance in my direction is kind of nice and especially like that it appears to be smiling.
The 2027 lirralirra calendar showcases the freedom of birds in flight and includes a Yellow-billed Spoonbill about to land in an ephemeral pond. Check out which bird graces your birthday month at lirralirrashop.com
Happy birding, Kim
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~ Photography masterclass – https://www.australianbirdtours.com.au/bird-photography-masterclass
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