The spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is a bird in the ibis and spoonbill family. The scientific name of the species was published in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus. It occurs in the Land of Maas and Waal, in the so-called 'wheels' (a small lake in the floodplain, left behind after a dike breach). The spoonbill has a length of about 80 to 93 cm. The spoonbill is immediately recognisable by its spatula-shaped widened black bill at the tip, which is yellow at the front. The bird is white with yellow/light orange patches. The extended head feathers form a bushy crest. The bird forages in wet meadows, near ditches, on mudflats and mudflats. It feeds on fish, aquatic animals, snails, leeches, insects and worms, with occasional plant parts. Breeding occurs in colonies in marshes, floodplains, reed beds and other inaccessible places. Spoonbills often nest in riparian forests along rivers. A nest is made of rushes, aquatic plants and grass. The clutch consists of three to five dull white eggs with brown spots. The average life expectancy is four to five years.
Michelle Peeters (1965) My interest in photography and film started around the age of 15. In 1987, I started my career as an ICT specialist. However, my spare time was spent travelling, photographing and filming. In 2006, photography finally won out. I followed my training at.. Read more…