On a recent sunset trip to the wetlands, I saw many of the big pink birds busy gathering nesting material and flying it to prospective nesting spots. A person on the Orlando Wetlands Facebook page said that at least one nest was already occupied.
It was fun watching them break off twigs and sticks with their big spoon-shaped beaks. They use their wings as leverage when gathering larger nesting material – creating some really nice images of the beautiful birds.
I have to think the clock may be ticking toward the arrival of some little spoonies soon.
Roseate Spoonbill, nesting at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, gathering nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, gathering nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, gathering nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, gathering nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, gathering nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, looking for nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, gathering nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.Roseate Spoonbill, looking for a nesting spot at Orlando Wetlands, January 2025.
I decided to make the most of what has been rare January sunshine and hit up both Orlando Wetlands and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Sort of a birding doubleheader. But I hit the Daily Double for these trips.
