Coastal Georgia is home to many wetlands birds. Herons, Egrets, Wood Storks and Ibis are regularly seen in and around the salt marsh, creeks and rivers here.
One July afternoon this summer I was surprised to see a large pink bird flying over the marsh. It was too far away and flew by too fast for me to to tell for sure but I thought it must be a Roseate Spoonbill. Spoonbills nest along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana and in south Florida but they are considered uncommon this far north.
A neighbor confirmed that yes, I did see a Spoonbill. In fact, she saw a pair feeding in the creek at low tide. I continued to see the brilliant pink of the pair as they flew by our house almost every afternoon for about 3 weeks. One day I finally saw where one landed so I grabbed my camera and ran out to capture a few pictures.
Other Roseate Spoonbills have been spotted in other coastal Georgia locations in recent years. I know from now on I will always be on the lookout for pink birds among the flocks of Herons and Egrets I see in the salt marsh.
Wandering Dawgs 
This was one of my favorites while we wintered in FL, and also one of the most elusive to capture. glad you got a close encounter! 🙂
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They are one of my favorites, too. We’ve seen them in our trips to the Everglades. It was a real treat to see them without having to travel. I hope they keep coming back!
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I love those Roseates and can’t wait to return to the Gulf this winter to capture more shots of these pink beauties.
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I enjoyed seeing them and getting photos when we saw them in the Everglades. I never thought I would see them so close to home!
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The Roseatte Spoonbill is my favorite. I was so excited when I realized there were a few hanging out on one of our bike routes in FL. They are even prettier in flight.
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Yes, they are beautiful when they are flying. Unfortunately I couldn’t get a good shot.
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These are at the top of my list of favorites — looks like everyone agrees! They’re just so beautiful and unusual looking. We’ve seen them in Florida and in Texas, and they’re always such a treat. How cool to see them so close to home!
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These Spoonbills added some excitement to our summer. Here’s hoping the pair we saw will decide to nest close by and keep returning to the area.
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What a lovely blush of color.
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The pictures really don’t do them justice. They are fun to watch.
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Beth, it’s so cool to see them on Tybee Island! I am glad you got close enough to get some photos!
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Let’s hope they keep coming back!
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Nice photos or a great bird!
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