Well THAT Had To Hurt!!
Yesterday evening we had a good size group of spoonbills show up. We counted 14 of them which was the most we ever saw together all in one location at the same time.
When you get that amount of almost any of the large waders together you have to figure it’s only a matter of time before an argument breaks out. When it became apparent these two spoonies were going to have a disagreement I was not surprised. However I was surprised when one grabbed the other by the head and shoved it down into the water almost as if it was trying to drown the poor pink spoonbill!
The fight broke up almost as quickly as it started and they both went right back to the business of feeding, but the instigator did seem to be rather proud and happy that he successfully got his point across!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
I’ve seen swans behaving this way! Great set of images 🙂
Those birds can get a bit aggressive out there at times, but then they go right back to getting along. It’s funny.
Glad you liked the photos.
It’s normally around breeding time or when there are young chicks that I see these sorts of fights breaking out.
Yes this type of behavior might normally be seen around breeding time but it’s too late in the season for that now, plus the spoonbills do not breed and nest in our area. These two were just being feisty.
Have you been to watch them at their nesting sites?
Accipicchia, che lotta!!! Hai colto dei momenti molto particolari in maniera superba. Complimenti Phil 🙂
Ciao, Pat
Grazie Pat! Sono contento che ti è piaciuto le foto di lotta!
For some birds behavior like that constitutes foreplay. It seems a little late in the season for mating.
No I don’t believe mating was on that bird’s mind at all. He was just in a foul (or fowl) mood. 🙂
Not too many rules in thar sport! Great captures.
I’ve been trying to figure out the rules for this sport for years but still don’t have it down. Sort of like girl’s field hockey. Who knows?!? 🙂
Now you’ve opened a can of worms!!
Oops
Wow
Thanks a bunch for looking!
sorry been very busy
Beautiful colors! Great action shots. It would have been nice to say they were flirting but since mating season is mostly over I don’t think that was the case.. Glad no one was too hurt.
Yes too late in the season for mating, this was just a brief disagreement that got a little out of hand. They went right back to being friends though.
That was rude.
Oh there was indeed rudeness on display out there for sure!
What amazing photography! You nailed it!
Hey thanks, I appreciate the kind words!
Oh my God! I haven’t seen them like that before, what a fighting… But amazing moments you captured, so beautiful. Thank you, dear Phil, love, nia
This is something I don’t see every day for sure Nia! Thank you very much for looking and I’m happy you liked seeing our pink friends in action!
More outstanding observation and photography. They are almost human.
I usually hesitate to assign human characteristics to the wildlife behavior I observe, but so often it seems to really apply. Thanks for checking these out.
Impressive that fight. Have a nice day Phil 🙂
They really do go at it but just as soon as it starts, they stop and go right back to being friendly. 🙂
ouch, that really had to hurt, beautiful shots of beautiful birds, guess all creatures of nature have their moments….
Yes it can get interesting out there and you never know what might set something (or someone) off. Alligators are the same. Two can float and eat side by side with no problems sometimes but other times it’s a huge event.
Great series! These are just fantastic photographs Phil, really impressive,
Well I’m thrilled you enjoyed seeing these spoonie shots, thanks!
I really do..
Just like humans…. Must have been spectacular to see and hear I guess too.
Great show again.
Yes quite a bit of animal behavior can indeed mirror human behavior. So who learned it from who? 🙂
The spoonbills don’t make much of a racket, about the only sounds I hear from them are some low grunts. But they do splash around.
Wow Phil these are fabulous action shots of the spoonies. Hope all is well with you and Alyce. Miss seeing you guys with this nasty weather. 🙂
Thanks a million Kathy! I’m thrilled you enjoyed seeing these spoonie photos and I appreciate you looking and commenting!
Ouch…Yes, that had to hurt.
I would not want that spatula bill clamped down on my head. I bet they are stronger then they look.
Oh. My. Gosh! Yikes. And the attitude in that last photos! I can’t believe these guys! It sure did look like the meanie was trying to stick the other poor guy’s head under water and hold it there. Interesting that they act like nothing happened once the incident is over. Quite an interesting capture of these event – they are goofy and pretty.
It is amazing how fast they go right back to regular behavior like nothing ever happened. I suppose feeding which means survival eventually takes precedence.
What a different view. They look for graceful and peaceful. I guess you can’t judge by looks.
They are fun and interesting to watch. I’m happy you liked these photos.
Holy bullying!!! Fab photos, Phil. You know I always love spoonies and your pink text!
Oh well you gotta love big goofy pink birds with a story written in pink!
Oh my .. it’s a bird eat bird world. Phenomenal photos, Phil, really phenomenal 🙂
Great shots! Good catch on the marsh swirlie.
Outstanding captures, Phil. They do that neck-grab during mating, but I didn’t realize they would do it as a dominance move.
Spectacular shots, Phil. Yes, I’m sure it did hurt. 😯
That’s a lethal spoon lol
Exactly. Be careful with that thing you might hurt somebody!