Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), Watson Lake, Yavapai County

This Roseate Spoonbill was found by an unknown birder on 31 July 2019 and photographed by Bryan Patrick on 01 August 2019

Although considered a regular visitor to the state through the 1970's, it has been much rarer and less regular since, probably associated with the decline of waterbird habitat in the Colorado River Delta in nearby Mexico. However, an increase in records in recent years led the ABC to remove this species from the Review List in 2014.

Unmistakable large pink water birds with a spatulate bill. This is a first year bird because of the fully feathered head. Second year birds also lack the red shoulders of adults, but have the bald forehead typical of adults and are usually brighter pink. Adult plumage is acquired in the third year. 

01 August 2019, photo by Bryan Patrick

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