Spoonbills, specifically the roseate spoonbill, are native to Florida and are common in coastal areas, marshes, and lagoons throughout the state. A roseate spoonbill is not a flamingo. While both are wading birds with bright pink plumage, they are not closely related. Roseate spoonbills are closely associated with ibises, pelicans, herons, and egrets.
Roseate Spoonbill Closeup
The Great Blue Heron is a stately heron with subtle blue-gray plumage. It often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. Although they may move slowly, Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher.
We saw this bird at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina.
Great Blue Heron
In addition to flowers at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, we spotted a heron.
Heron is a long-legged, long-necked wading bird with a long, tapering bill and large wings. Herons are in the Ardeidae family and are found all over the world, but are most common in tropical regions. They feed by quietly wading in shallow water, catching fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals.
Heron in a Pond
An Indian Pond Heron creates a mirror reflection, while a Red-wattled Lapwing, and a Common Sandpiper search for food in the waterholes at Gir National Park.
Captured this heron far from the boardwalk at Audubon Center at Beidler Forest, South Carolina.
In addition to numerous sculptures, Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina is also home to many wild species that make the greater area of the Gardens their home. Some of these birds, eagles and herons, have sustained an injury and could not survive in the wild. Their professional zookeepers provide safety, shelter, and enrichment for these birds.
Rescued Eagles
Black-crowned Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron Rescued
Black-crowned Night Heron Perched
Largest of the North American herons, the Great Blue Heron has long legs, a sinuous neck, and thick, dagger-like bill. Head, chest, and wing plumes give it a shaggy appearance.
Great Blue Heron in the Florida Marshes
Reflections of a heron in a pond ….
Bird Reflections
Reflections of a heron by Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina
A Heron by the Lighthouse
Galapagos Birds – Galapagos (Lava) Heron
The Lava Heron, also known as the Galapagos Heron, is a species of heron endemic to the Galapagos Islands. The adult is slate-grey, which helps it blend in with the hardened lava. The back feathers typically have a silvery sheen and it has a short crest on its head.