Roseate spoonbill in Florida

The #1 bird I wanted to photograph on my trip to Florida was by far the roseate spoonbill. They're such unique-looking birds, as if they're out of a children's book, and their pink plumage is almost as striking as a flamingo's. Their bills are often under the water searching for prey, and here one shows off a small snack it caught.

The Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is famous for its namesake "spoon-shaped" bill, which it uses in a side-to-side sweeping motion to detect prey through touch—a process known as tactolocation. While they often forage with their heads submerged in shallow coastal waters, this image captures the rare second the bird lifts its bill to toss a small fish into its throat. Like flamingos, their vibrant pink hue is a result of their diet, specifically the carotenoid pigments found in the crustaceans they consume in Florida’s mangrove forests and saltwater marshes.

Capturing this high-speed feeding behavior requires a fast shutter speed and precise burst-mode tracking to freeze the fish in mid-air. By shooting from a low angle, I was able to emphasize the bird’s concentrated gaze and the intricate patterns of its spatulate bill. This photograph is a vibrant, energetic choice for those looking to celebrate the unique biodiversity of the Gulf Coast. When printed on high-gloss metal or archival canvas, the brilliant pink tones and the crisp detail of the water droplets and the "snack" create a dynamic and modern focal point for any fine art collection.