The Family That Feeds Together Flies Together
Yesterday evening a spoonbill was feeding in a side corner of the salt marsh along with several white ibis. There was a typical mix of adult and juvenile ibis in the group. Suddenly they all decided they needed to immediately be somewhere else and they took off. I’m going to give the edge on speed to the spoonbill with it’s larger wings, but…the young ibis kept up with spoonie quite nicely!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Beautiful flight shots. The other factor to consider is all that extra resistance with the spoonie’s big bill:)
Thanks! Oh wow I had not thought about that. Poor spoonie, it’s always something that’s gonna drag him down.
Absolutely awesome flight shots Phil, the last photo is super.
Hey thanks very much Jan, very glad you liked these!
Beautiful shots Phil
Well I appreciate that, thank you.
Amazing shots !
The last one – just Perfect !
Congrats , Phil!
utham
So nice of you to visit and comment and I’m happy you enjoyed the flight photos!
Wonderful flight serie, well done!
Hey thanks Hans I really appreciate that!
Love the flying ones!
That’s great I’m happy to hear you enjoyed them!
Man, you are so lucky to have this salt marsh at the ready every day, Phil. Wonderful natural experiences and these images share that quite well.
We do realize we are fortunate to have this environment near by and are able to take advantage of it. Plus I’m very happy folks enjoy the photos.
I would like to head back to the marsh this evening because I’m betting the spoonies will be out and about but we have tickets for our local minor league baseball team tonight. Not sure I even want to go but it is dollar beer night so… 🙂
Not much thinking required for that decision, Phil. Even Mr.A will approve I am sure. ::-)
Mr. A is particularly fond of dollar hot dog night.
Fantastic photos again, Phil. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia I appreciate it.
Another amazing series, Phil! The last shot, wow!!!
Very glad you liked these Amy!
Love the last shot especially because of the contrasts between the two birds’ appearances.
Thanks, the spoonies and ibis often feed together because they have similar fishing styles, but very different bill shapes. 🙂
I liked seeing the mixed flock. I never see that here. The marsh birds are all in their little cliques. Love your flight shots, nobody does it better. I sent your link to some local bird watchers. I am sure they will love your birds.
Well I’m very happy you liked seeing these and I appreciate you passing along to site to the bird watchers!
What struck me most was the last photograph, and the upturned bill on one, the downturned bill on the other. Beautiful and complimentary — like so much of nature.
Thanks a million, I’m glad you have been enjoying my views of our local nature and wildlife!
They’re breathtaking captures, Phil. Tell me, do you ever miss? 🙂 I love all of them, but the last one, with the two birds’ bodies so in line they look choreographed till you realise the ‘shadow’ bird and the big flamboyant spoonie, are on the opposite flap – that somehow eclipses the two first flight pix – both extraordinary shots. 🙂
I greatly appreciate your very kind comments and I’m so happy you enjoy these photos. And oh yeah, I do miss…occasionally. 😀
The flight shots were amazing, but I have to admit the last one had me gasping!
Thanks a bunch Gunta, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the flights!
They seem to be good friends. Great story and great pics.
They were getting along quite nicely. Thanks!
That last shot is spectacular!!!
Thanks Paula I appreciate that!
Perhaps the birds knew it was ‘openin time’ too – dollar beer for Spoonies?
I’m betting the spoonies would be on board for 5 shrimp for a dollar night! 😀
Wonderful flight captures in a gorgeous light, Phil.
Well I really appreciate your kind comments Dina, thanks!
All are stunning but the last one is really exceptional! Love the lighting!
Thanks very much Molly I’m happy you enjoyed these!
the 3 in tandem is fabulous
Such beautiful action shots Phil!