Wow! Beautiful photos, i've never seen them with that lovely plumage on their heads before (maybe I just haven't been paying attention), and you've captured it perfectly!
Beautiful pics. I think the plumes only develop during the breeding season so I agree with Woko that this would be a breeding adult...? The last pic is my favourite :)
Hello, Pizzey & Knight says Breeding plumage: small red mark along black forehead ; rich yellow mark above each eye and conspicuous flowing white head plumes; breast lightly washed buff
Ok, I will try to be clear - P&K say that the breeding plumage includes the red forehead mark and the yellow eyelid marks as you have said and as per your pic in post #11 - P&K also say that breeding plumage has the head plumes as Woko said in post #5 and as per your pic in post #1
Rick post #10 has said that the bird in your post #1 is probably in early stages of bredding plumages and I have provided a reference to support this
Gorgeous photos M-L! The (beautifully white) Spoonbill really stands out well with the dark background. :-)
M.M.
Wow! Beautiful photos, i've never seen them with that lovely plumage on their heads before (maybe I just haven't been paying attention), and you've captured it perfectly!
Thanks for sharing :)
Nice photos !
Nice one, Araminta.
I reckon that might be an adult in breeding plumage. It's that time of the year!
Hi Woko, it's actually a "non-breeding" bird. It doesn't have the the small red mark and the yellow mark above the eye.
M-L
A unique looking bird, reminds me of a native American headdress.
LM
Thats one seriously cool hair do! Thanks for sharing!
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
M-L,
Beautiful pics. I think the plumes only develop during the breeding season so I agree with Woko that this would be a breeding adult...? The last pic is my favourite :)
Scott.
Breeding, probably early stages as missing the red forehead marking and buff throat and breast.
Now, here is one that is clearly in full breeding colours.Yellow patch above the eye, red patch in the middle of the forehead.
M-L
Hello, Pizzey & Knight says Breeding plumage: small red mark along black forehead ; rich yellow mark above each eye and conspicuous flowing white head plumes; breast lightly washed buff
so it appears that you are all partially correct
Peter
No idea what you are saying Peter? That's exactly what I said. Also the reason why I posted the past photo, with the exact description.
M-L
Ok, I will try to be clear - P&K say that the breeding plumage includes the red forehead mark and the yellow eyelid marks as you have said and as per your pic in post #11 - P&K also say that breeding plumage has the head plumes as Woko said in post #5 and as per your pic in post #1
Rick post #10 has said that the bird in your post #1 is probably in early stages of bredding plumages and I have provided a reference to support this
Peter