One of the most unusual residents of the Swan Coastal Plain wetlands is the Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes). Instead of relying on eyesight when foraging for invertebrates in deep and muddy water, the spatula-shaped bill is equipped with papillae that detect vibrations of prey. It can often be seen walking slowly through the water, sweeping its beak from side to side in search for insects, crustaceans and fish, or just perching on a branch of a Swamp Paperbark tree (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla), such as this one on the banks of Herdsman Lake.
Oh spoonbills are my favorite! Ours here in Florida are pink. The babies will be fledging soon. Precious photo!
Is that the Roseate Spoonbill Pam?
Yes it is. So pretty!
Looking forward to some pretty pink photo’s 😀
I love the “surprised” expression in your opening photograph, Maurice!
It seemed to make one of those typically muffled calls Dries, as I’m not sure I was noticed – they’re generally startled really easily.
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