Observations by cleothorpengata

A gorgeous Royal Spoonbill. Had all the same features- long dark spoon shaped bill, crest of feathers at the back of its head. Saw quite close across the Taruheru River in Gisborne. It was walking along the shallow side of the river with its beak in the water, sweeping its head from side to side, coming up every now and then to swallow its food. About 8pm at low tide.