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.
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:
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
Amazing birds! Nothing quite so exotic here, unless you like birds of prey!
It is always an honor to come here, my friend: thank you for that
xoxo BShell
Je maakt echt heel mooie foto's van de vogels daar.
Groeten, Marianne
A great portrait of the spoonbill, Rick!
Perfect shot Rick, I love shooting from the ground too.
Still reckon you would be great and a worthy Headbanger Rick,lol.
We have them around here too, they have a beautiful pink plumage.
Have a good week Rick! ;-)
This is definitely a treat to my northern eyes. The fight shot is amazing with the blue sky background.
Superb photos. What an unusual looking bird.
Wonderful shots, as always, and those pink feathers are stunning. However, the spoonbill shape kind of creeps me out!
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!
Beautiful colour! I love the photo of the spoonbill flying, really shows it's feathers off wonderfully.
Hi Rick,
Your photos are stunning! Beautiful bird! Thank you so much for sharing.
Rick, maybe you're a bird whisperer and don't know it! Awesome second picture, the colour is gorgeous.
He is a beautiful looking bird.
Good way in creeping up on them my friend. Lovely shots.
Happy times Dagmar
I love all your very cool bird shots over these past IV posts. Super job, Rick and frankly I'm very jealous.
Hi Rick, wow.... very beautiful pictures. You're an excellent photographer. Love both the pictures.
Have a great week ahead,regards.
Thank you for the comment! Amazing photo!!
The blue & green colours are amazing, they bring warmth, here it is grey and white :-D
Greetz,
Joseph
What magnificent looking birds...these pictures are fabulous Rick.
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