This pair of young Roseate Spoonbills looked quite relaxed as they strolled through the marsh at Merritt Island NWR. These unique pink wading birds use their spatula-shaped bills for foraging in the shallow water, catching their prey by tactolocation.
Audubon.org calls Roseate Spoonbills “Gorgeous at a distance and bizarre up close.” The young Rosies are distinguished from older adults by their pale pink plumage and white feathered heads. As adults, they will become quite brilliant to behold, with deep pink shoulder plumage, vivid red eyes, and a dark line outlining their partially bald, pale yellow heads (All About Birds).
Beautiful, thank you.
Thank you, Berny! They are beautiful birds.
Great captures of these beauties!
They’re just so irresistible, aren’t they, Ellen? Thanks for visiting and for your nice comment.
Lovely!
Thank you, Cindy!
It’s obvious that Audubon.org lacks good taste for beautiful birds… Your pictures are gorgeous, just like your subjects. Good work Carol. 🙂
Lol, glad you enjoyed the post, HJ!
I didn’t realize that was your stomping grounds. I so loved our trip there.
Lol. I just this minute looked at all your recent Florida trip photos. They’re sensational – such excellent collections of shots in every post! We live a couple of hours south of Merritt Island, but we’re just there this weekend.
I’ve only got to experience these beautiful birds twice during Florida trips. If I could see them every day, I am positive I could never tire of them! So unique and who doesn’t love a bird in pink!
Loved your reflections, too!!
Thank you so much for your visit and for sharing your thoughts, Donna!
We are so fortunate to have them here in Florida!! And grateful to advocates at the turn of the 20th century who fought for the protection of these magnificent birds – when were being slaughtered for their feathers during the plume trade.
Love them! These are great!
I’m so glad you enjoyed these sweet, pink, juvenile Spoonbills, Pam! I enjoyed watching them, too.
They are so beautiful! Lovely captures.
I still haven’t seen a spoonbill…
Thank you, Amy – yes, they are truly lovely birds!
Gorgeous shots, B.J.! The ‘rosies’ are so photogenic!