The regular wintering Spoonbill is back at the lagoon at Cromane once again, for its eleventh winter.
Adult Spoonbill, Cromane, 21st October 2016 (M.O'Clery).
Spoonbill, with Little Egret, Cromane, 21st October 2016 (M.O'Clery).
Spoonbill, Cromane, 21st October 2016 (M.O'Clery).
It is undergoing extensive wing moult, with several tracts of feathers being replaced in parallel on each wing.
Spoonbill, Cromane, 21st October 2016 (M.O'Clery).
Extraordinary though the bill of a Spoonbill is, up close, it also has this beautiful, blue and black, 'Mackerel skin' patterning. Click the pic for a closer view.
Info on long-staying Spoonbills in Ireland on this page HERE.
