Central Florida Birding Part 4: The Roseate Spoonbills of Stick Marsh

Stick Marsh, officially known as the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir, is a renowned wetland and fishing destination located in central Florida. It lies in the rural southeast region near the town of Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach, and straddles the border between Indian River and Brevard counties. The area is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and was created in 1987 as part of an effort to filter agricultural runoff before it entered the St. Johns River.

Stick Marsh covers about 6,500 acres and is adjacent to the T.M. Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The marsh includes two small tree islands that are critical nesting sites for a variety of wading birds, including hundreds of state-imperiled Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons. These islands are protected as a Critical Wildlife Area (CWA) and are closed to entry year-round to safeguard nesting birds

An Anhinga and Osprey perched on top of Palm Trees

How Stick Marsh Got Its Name

The name "Stick Marsh" dates back to before the area was flooded to create the reservoir. Originally, it was a marshy wetland densely packed with trees and woody debris, making it appear as a mass of "sticks" both above and below the waterline. After the area was inundated, many of these trees became submerged or left as standing snags, giving the marsh its distinctive look and its name. As one guide described: “Everywhere you see a tree there is a tree. Everywhere you don’t see a tree there is a tree”

Regarding the tradition of locals placing sticks at the bottom of the boat ramp for nesting birds: while this specific practice is not documented in official sources, the marsh’s natural abundance of sticks and woody debris has always provided ample nesting material for herons, egrets, and spoonbills. The islands’ dense vegetation and plentiful sticks are a key reason why so many wading birds choose to nest here.

Notable Sightings Before the Boat Ride

Upon arriving at the boat launch at Stick Marsh, the first thing I noticed was the hundreds of Turkey Vultures perched on top of a row of submerged palm trees. It made me wonder if Turkey Vultures might nest here. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, they don’t build nests but lay their eggs in dark places like hollow logs, caves, or under palmetto thickets. Sometimes they use abandoned stick nests or even lay eggs on the ground.

While we waited to board our boat, I heard Killdeer calling nearby. A Red-shouldered Hawk was perched on a light pole and stayed there for almost two hours without moving. On the rocks next to the boat launch, a Limpkin was smashing a snail against the rocks. After a while, it flew off, calling loudly and echoing across the water.

Turkey Vulture

Learning to Fly: Observing Roseate Spoonbill Fledglings at the Rookery

We spent most of our time circling the island that holds the rookery for wading birds. Among them were Tricolored Herons, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, and the birds we came to see—the Roseate Spoonbills. Our goal was to witness the first flights of the fledglings.

The young Spoonbills were spread out across the rookery, some lower in the mangroves, some on the treetops. They were in constant motion, testing their wings. This behavior is called "branching." Branching is when young birds move from branch to branch, often spreading their wings, jumping, and gaining strength and confidence before their first real flight.

We watched as the fledglings leapt upward, wings open, sometimes hesitating before making the jump. They practiced these moves over and over, building up to the moment when they would launch themselves in flight from the safety of the island to the nearby shore, especially the area around the boat launch where many young birds gathered.

It reminded me of the Tom Petty song “Learning to Fly.” Fittingly, this is close to Tom Petty country—we drove on Route 441, mentioned in "American Girl," and just north is Lake Mary Jane.

Roseate Spoonbill Fledgling

Moments with Young Spoonbills: Learning, Communicating, and First Flights

At the boat launch, where the young Roseate Spoonbills gathered, I watched two fledglings lift their beaks and call out. They seemed to be communicating, and then, almost in unison, they took off and flew back to the island rookery.

Next, an adult Roseate Spoonbill arrived. You can tell an adult during nesting season by its larger size, deep pink and orange coloring, and the bright red patch on the shoulder. The head is mostly bare and greenish, with a long, flat, spoon-shaped bill. The adult’s colors are much more vivid compared to the pale pink and white of the juveniles.

The adult vocalized as it lifted its beak, then started to feed in the shallow water with its sweeping motion—moving its bill side to side to catch small fish and invertebrates. I saw the adult gently nudge a couple of the young birds, almost as if it was encouraging them or showing them how to feed. The young Spoonbills immediately followed, copying the adult’s movements.

I also noticed a good example of anticipation in bird photography. I focused my lens on a fledgling that had made its way to the lower vegetation on the rookery island, closest to the water. Its eyes were fixed on the shore, watching where its rookery mates had already flown. I watched the subtle signs: a slight bend in the knees, a dip down, nervousness in the eyes. If you watch closely, you can see tiny muscle movements—legs flexing, a quick flinch—right before that first leap and takeoff. We all believed we saw a first flight! These small details are what make observing and photographing birds so rewarding.

Adult Roseate Spoonbill

Visiting Stick Marsh offered a close look at the daily life of wading birds, especially the Roseate Spoonbills. Watching the young birds learn to fly and feed, and seeing the adults guide them, was a reminder of how much happens in these wetlands every day. The mix of bird calls, quiet observation, and small moments of action made for a memorable experience.

Stick Marsh is a place where patience pays off. By taking time to watch the birds and notice their behaviors, I was able to see the subtle steps that lead to big milestones, like a fledgling’s first flight. It’s a reminder that in bird photography—and in nature watching in general—being present and observant is just as important as having the right equipment.

Fledgling Roseate Spoonbill