ROSEATE SPOONBILL: Eye of the Beholder

The only Spoonbill in the Western Hemisphere, Roseate Spoonbill is also the only pink one as well. Her stunning pink colour comes from the Shrimp She eats. Although She usually congregates with Egrets and Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbill often stands out in the crowd with her vibrant colours and distinctive bill.

A sociable Bird, Roseate Spoonbill lives in large colonies with Egrets, Herons, Ibises, and Storks. While the other Birds feed on Fish in deeper waters, She is content to remain in the shallow areas. Sweeping her distinctive bill back and forth in the muck, Roseate Spoonbill discovers many tasty Insects and Crustaceans to eat.

Once hunted nearly to extinction for her beautiful feathers, Roseate Spoonbill has made a dramatic comeback. The irony was that her pink feathers used on ladies’ hats faded to a dull white over time. Today, watching Roseate Spoonbill take flight delights many tourists who come to see Her.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder teaches Roseate Spoonbill. As She brightens the skies and gladden the hearts of those who glimpse Her, so can you. Remember not to be so taken by beauty that you desire it only for yourself. Beauty hoarded will fade like Roseate Spoonbill’s feathers on hats.

Ibises and Spoonbills: Pursuit of Wisdom

IBISES AND SPOONBILLS: THRESKIORNITHIDAE

Relatives of Pelicans, Ibises and Spoonbills are large Birds who thrive in the world’s marshes and wetlands. Seen together, these Birds will often nest with other water Birds notably Herons and Egrets. The major difference between an Ibis and a Spoonbill is in the shape of their beaks. Ibises have curved bills for probing in the soft mud. Meanwhile, Spoonbills have bills are spoon shaped. They catch their food by swinging their bills back and forth in the water.

SACRED IBIS: Pursuit of Wisdom

Sacred to the Ancient Egyptians, Sacred Ibises were mummified and often buried with the Pharaohs. For them, this Bird represented Thoth, their God of Wisdom. The Egyptians believed that Thoth hovered over the people in the form of a Sacred Ibis offering them protection and guidance.

Important to local ecosystems, Sacred Ibis preys on Snakes and Insects. (In fact, Ancient Egyptians thought of Her as a protector against Snakes.) An adaptable Bird, She can be also found at landfills near towns and villages looking for Worms and Grasshoppers. While migrating, this white Bird with a black head used to visit the banks of the Nile. (Sacred Ibis are now extinct in Egypt because of habitat loss.)

As Sacred Ibis probes the soft earth for tasty Mollusks and Crustaceans, so you can probe deeper beneath the surface of daily life for wisdom. In your pursuit of knowledge, let Her be your guide. Like Thoth, Sacred Ibis will watch over you as you seek the truth. Pursue all wisdom with a passion, but try not get stuck in the muck and the mire of unsavory facts.