Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Roseate spoonbills at sunrise, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

During my short trip to Florida in February, I had one morning scheduled to be in Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge for sunrise. Unfortunately, the weather was not on my side as it was overcast with showers likely throughout the day. For a brief moment though, as I watched this group of roseate spoonbills, the rising sun crossed through a break in the clouds and their bright pink plumage was lit up by the golden light.

Spoonies at sunrise

Spoonbills were one of the species I most wanted to photograph on my trip, and I'm glad that I had the chance to watch them as they went through their morning preening routine. Even in the plain overcast light that dominated the morning, their gorgeous pink colors really stood out. I only wish I would have been able to photograph them at closer range -- but there's always next time!

Roseate spoonbills

This post is part of the World Bird Wednesday blog meme -- follow the link to check out this week's posts!

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29 comments:

  1. Mia McPhersonMarch 13, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    Lovely light & images Pat!

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  2. Modesto ViegasMarch 13, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Great colours!!!

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  3. Dina JMarch 13, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    Beautiful shots of the spoonies. The light looks perfect.

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  4. barbara l. haleMarch 13, 2012 at 11:14 AM

    Simply fabulous! Love the color of those beautiful birds

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  5. TexWisGirlMarch 13, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    really beautiful.

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  6. Carol BlackburnMarch 13, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    Those are spectacular, Pat.

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  7. Jim CodaMarch 13, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    Isn't southwest Florida great Pat? I'd love to be there now.

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  8. CameraCruiseMarch 13, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    Beautiful!

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  9. Bill S.March 13, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Beautiful birds. Great captures.

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  10. LindaMarch 13, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    Amazing birds, such wonderful colours.

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  11. UnknownMarch 13, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Extraordinary colours!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  12. Carole M.March 13, 2012 at 4:35 PM

    you get to the most incredible scenic opportunities teaming with wonderful birdlife (and others). These shots are incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing Pat.

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  13. mickMarch 13, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Great photos and beautiful coloring on the birds. We commonly see Royal Spoonbills out here but they are an ordinary white!

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  14. Mary Howell CromerMarch 13, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Oh they are magnificent images of these brilliantly coloured birds!

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  15. eileeninmdMarch 13, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    Gorgeous photos of both the spoonbills and the reflection.

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  16. FABMarch 13, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Fabulous colour and lighting. Well done Pat.

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  17. Tatjana ParkachevaMarch 13, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    Wonderful photos.

    Regards and best wishes

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  18. LarryMarch 13, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Gorgeous captures Pat. I will make it to Florida someday to photograph birds and other wild animals. This light is just great. I'm glad you had the brief opportunity to grab it while it was there! I also really like the Great Egret in the shot for comparison since I have never seen a Roseate Spoonbill ;-)

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  19. SpringmanMarch 13, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    I missed seeing spoonbills during my brief visit to Florida last year. Such splendid creatures and your photographs are, of course, the stuff of dreams. No day dreaming around those gator holes though!

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  20. KathyMarch 14, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    They look like exotic ladies taking their morning bath.

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  21. EG CameraGirlMarch 14, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    It's amazing how colourful they are!

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  22. PatMarch 14, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Beautiful shot! I love those colorful reflections.

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  23. jooMarch 14, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    They are fascinating, and your photos are great!

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  24. JohnMarch 14, 2012 at 5:31 PM

    Like the Egret in amongst the Spoonbills! Lovely light Pat!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  25. NatureFootstepMarch 14, 2012 at 7:10 PM

    gorgeous shots of the spoonbills. So great to see them up close. I saw this bird in Costa Rica but onlu from far away like tiny pink dots. Good to see them like this.

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  26. Chronicles of IllusionsMarch 14, 2012 at 10:00 PM

    absolutely stunning shots of these guys

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  27. Nadege,March 14, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    Gorgeous reflections and colors.

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  28. Wildlife PhotographerMarch 20, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    Hi friends,

    Thanks for sharing such a informative post.You have explained very easily that everyone understand that.Its very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  29. DelbensonphotographyJuly 2, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    That is superb! such a beautiful images.

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