Rare Spoonbill Birds Land In DC

Roseate Spoonbill birds look like a mix between a flamingo and a pelican and are uncommon even in their natural habitat in the Southeast U.S. (they were totally decimated by plume hunters in the 1800s), but are almost unheard of this far north.  But this summer, they have been spotted in the District, specifically at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.

The Audubon society calls them “gorgeous at a distance and bizarre up close.” The “Spoonies,” as birders affectionately call them, feed in shallow water, swinging their heads back and forth to sift through the muck with their large bills.

It is not clear why they have migrated so far north, but biologists theorize it could be to search for food in places with less competition, or because weather patterns are forcing them here.

A couple of others were seen south of Alexandria near Dyke Marsh and in Fairfax County. But your best bet to see one is grabbing your binoculars and heading to the Kenilworth boardwalk. Happy birding!