Sunday, November 25, 2012

Birds of a feather ... IV

I first saw one of these odd-looking (to a northerner) birds from an airboat in the Everglades a couple of years ago [note - an airboat is not the best way to get close to wildlife, unless the wildlife is quite deaf]. But a couple of weeks ago patience paid dividends as I was able to approach a mixed flock of some 70 - 80 birds of different species precariously perched in a lone pine tree.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure, let me introduce to you the obviously-named roseate spoonbill. A little research revealed that the ones I saw were juveniles (either they haven't learned to fear humans yet, or my stealth skills were exceptional). They almost became extinct as they were hunted for their plumage, but in Florida there are now an estimated 1,000 breeding pairs.

I don't know what startled them, but after an hour of creeping up and getting my shots, the birds decided they'd posed enough and flew off in unison. I then turned my attention to a nearby slough where there was bound to be some action, but that's fodder for another day.

I hope all my American friends had a lovely Thanksgiving; we did as we were invited to share it with our wonderful neighbors and their family.



21 comments:

Marty said...

Hi Rick ! this is a beautiful bird and the pink feathers are gorgeous !
heureusement ils ont survécu en Floride ! l'homme ce prédateur qui hunt and kill for feathers!! crazy !
the flying pink bird is amazing !
and that wonderful blue sky, I miss so much ! weather is sad here !
la pluie, le vent....
je te souhaite un merveilleux dimanche Rick and send you bisous

ju-north said...

Amazing birds! Nothing quite so exotic here, unless you like birds of prey!

BlueShell said...

It is always an honor to come here, my friend: thank you for that
xoxo BShell

biebkriebels said...

Je maakt echt heel mooie foto's van de vogels daar.
Groeten, Marianne

Anonymous said...

A great portrait of the spoonbill, Rick!

imac said...

Perfect shot Rick, I love shooting from the ground too.

Still reckon you would be great and a worthy Headbanger Rick,lol.

Lúcia said...

We have them around here too, they have a beautiful pink plumage.
Have a good week Rick! ;-)

Ruth Hiebert said...

This is definitely a treat to my northern eyes. The fight shot is amazing with the blue sky background.

S. Etole said...

Superb photos. What an unusual looking bird.

Michelle said...

Wonderful shots, as always, and those pink feathers are stunning. However, the spoonbill shape kind of creeps me out!

Pamela Gordon said...

Pretty colour. Homely bird. How's that for a description of this bird. Isn't God amazing to create such diversity?
You got some great shots and I'd guess your stealthiness played a part! :) Have a great week!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Beautiful colour! I love the photo of the spoonbill flying, really shows it's feathers off wonderfully.

Linda said...

Hi Rick,

Your photos are stunning! Beautiful bird! Thank you so much for sharing.

Rosemary said...

Rick, maybe you're a bird whisperer and don't know it! Awesome second picture, the colour is gorgeous.

Stephanie said...

He is a beautiful looking bird.

Dagmar said...

Good way in creeping up on them my friend. Lovely shots.
Happy times Dagmar

Scott Law said...

I love all your very cool bird shots over these past IV posts. Super job, Rick and frankly I'm very jealous.

Amelia said...

Hi Rick, wow.... very beautiful pictures. You're an excellent photographer. Love both the pictures.

Have a great week ahead,regards.

The Nature Jotter said...

Thank you for the comment! Amazing photo!!

Unknown said...

The blue & green colours are amazing, they bring warmth, here it is grey and white :-D

Greetz,


Joseph

Katherine said...

What magnificent looking birds...these pictures are fabulous Rick.