Spoonbill sighted

[Dylan Cluver]

was fishing last night, and I had turned around towards the bank to change flies when I turned back around to take a step and check for boulders when I noticed a 25 pound spoonbill about 5 feet away. He seemed to be doing well. I know that most that come over the top are usually pretty beat up. It must have been doing well because it's been awhile since the gates were open. Or could he have come upstream because of all the flow, having been a Taneycomo resident for awhile?

[bs1827]

Interesting! Never heard much about spoonbills in Taney. Anyone else have any encounters like this?

[laker67]

Since about 08 there have been a couple of handfuls show up during and after flood gate events. Leonard landed one about 60 lbs one night. Saw another high and dry in a tree. With the warm water now they are probably on the prowl above the boat ramp.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I saw a big one just above Fall Creek on Labor Day weekend.

Kind of freaked me out at first sight of it.

Pete

[Phil Lilley]

See them fairly often.  They show up about anywhere.