Two years ago, when I was doing videos by developing them in PowerPoint, I featured roseate spoonbills in a pink-themed video. I didn’t understand how to override the PowerPoint defaults that kicked in during conversion, so the synchronization with the music isn’t what it could be.
This spring I went to St. Augustine twice: once en route to the Florida Keys to visit the Dry Tortugas, when I hit a grey day; and again on a trip whose primary purpose was to see and photograph these amazing birds. This time, I got the blue-sky day I wanted.
Just perched in a tree, wings folded, they look a tad ungainly, and nowhere near as pink as they do in flight.
But “in flight” is easier seen than captured, what with, you know, the movement associated with flight, and their unhelpful habit of flying behind intervening branches.
So I settled for the wings flared right after a landing, or as they balanced on rickety branches. This time . . .
Wow!
Jim T
Jim T – You said it!
Nice, Never have I seen these guys !
Am reminded this time of spoon-billed sandpipers and what presumably is a case of convergent evolution. Wonder if there are any other birds thus equipped ?
Ralph – I do not know. But looking up “spoonbill” turned up six species of spoonbills, scattered all over the world. A new photography challenge, perhaps?
Fabulous photos! I like the action. I never knew such a bird existed.
Judith – Thanks! To me they look tropical, so it’s a delight to see them in North America.
Are those ever beautiful.
Tom
Tom – Yes, they’re wonderful.
Isabel, are you related to Marjorie? I followed her blog for a while until she passed away. If you are her daughter maybe you could finish her story. Love the pictures of those amazing pink birds.
Elfrieda – Yes, I’m one of Marjorie’s daughters and know your name from her blog, which I administered for her. I’m so glad you like the big pink birds! Aren’t they a wonder?