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!

29 comments:

  1. Beautiful shots of the spoonies. The light looks perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Simply fabulous! Love the color of those beautiful birds

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful birds. Great captures.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amazing birds, such wonderful colours.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh they are magnificent images of these brilliantly coloured birds!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gorgeous photos of both the spoonbills and the reflection.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fabulous colour and lighting. Well done Pat.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful photos.

    Regards and best wishes

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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 ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  15. They look like exotic ladies taking their morning bath.

    ReplyDelete
  16. It's amazing how colourful they are!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful shot! I love those colorful reflections.

    ReplyDelete
  18. They are fascinating, and your photos are great!

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Gorgeous reflections and colors.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi friends,

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

    ReplyDelete
  23. That is superb! such a beautiful images.

    ReplyDelete