The Roseates were out in full force at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island at sunset a few days ago, on Jan. 20th. I couldn't resist the photo ops. The light was coming in from the side and they were standing in shallow water on the first pond, bathing, preening and holding out their wings in the special way they do during their preening rituals. I was blowing through my 1 Gig cards in record speed, trying to anticipate the seconds during which they hold open their wings.Every feather in those beautiful wings were lit up as if held in front of a candle, wings glowing luminescent against the dark water. It was a heavenly moment, captured and preserved by the camera. When I look at those glorious wings all I can think of is Pink Angels.
Photos of Roseate Spoonbills © Lillian Stokes, 2007
3 comments:
Beautiful photographs ! They certainly brightened up a gray mid-western day. Thanks !
Glad we could brighten your day, the Roseate's colors are just about unparalled and in that setting they really popped. I had such fun photographing them.
I average about 3 days/week at Ding, and have never thought to photograph at sunset rather than first light.
It would be nice to get some pics from the right side of wildlife drive for a change.
Outstanding pictures!
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