Well…They Almost Got Along…
We had a pretty good crowd in the salt marsh last night including two spoonbills and several snowy egrets along with a few ibis. At one point a snowy was standing there watching as a spoonbill came closer to his fishing spot. I thought things might go OK until spoonie went over and gave snowball a little shove. I expected a full scale battle to begin but quickly they both found something that interested them and prevented (at least temporarily) any altercations from escalating. But when spoonie turned back and began to continue to encroach on the snowy’s area, that was all it took as snowball decided he had enough and left for greener pastures, or less crowded water.
About an hour later spoonie and a different snowy really went at it and I do have photos of that exchange which will be a post for another day. 🙂
Phil Lanoue Photography 
What a grumpy spoonie. I wonder if he’s blushing over his own outrageous behavior.
This one isn’t as bad as the older adult, this is just a dopey kid being goofy as usual. 🙂
I’m betting spoonie said something that you couldn’t hear! 🙂 🙂
I often think that is the case. I see some odd behavior and wonder what was said that caused it. 🙂
Hatfields and McCoys….swamp style. 🙂
Oh yeah, that’s it exactly! Although I suspect some of these herons and egrets have never seen a spoonbill before since they are a non native species and are wondering what the heck it is.
How funny that the Snowy didn’t fight over his turf. I can’t wait for the follow up!
Yeah normally the snowys are more then happy to squabble over *anything*! This one may have been more curious then offended though by the goofy young spoonie. I might have that fight scene up tomorrow, it’s a good one.
That snowy looks very unamused indeed. Great captures once again, Phil. Those birds can’t get away with anything, when your camera is poised to shoot them. 😀
I try to catch them both when they are well behaved and when they act up. The act up shots are usually the best. 😀 Thanks Sylvia!
“[…] Will be a post for another day. :-)”
I will comment that any more! 😛
The photos tell an interesting story in itself. Very beautiful! ▲
You will be happy with the post for another day I think! 😀 Could be more then one day away though. 😕 🙂
Is that the same alpha spoonie? Territorial guy isn’t he? Last photo is beautiful with snowie’s wings.
No this is one of the goofy youngsters, but they are all often quite territorial.
I had not seen that grumpy older one in several days until last night. He’s the star of today’s post. 😀
Such a beautiful pair that they are. Best of friends.
I’m not sure that little snowy even knew what the spoonbill was. They don’t see them often.
Love it!!
Thanks a bunch!
Beautiful shots Phil.
Glad you enjoyed them Jan.
Spoonbill is smiling in the first one 🙂
Ha! Yes he is! 😀
Love the outraged look on the egret’s face in no. 2!