When we first started taking wildlife photos and watching a few professional photographers work to learn all that we could, they all seemed to have a few pictures of the above Roseate Spoonbills. They instantly became number one our must see and photograph list. Earlier this week, we finally got the opportunity to immortalize some of these beautiful birds.
I am almost without words to describe their strange but magnificent appearance. Let alone describe our excitement when we walked around the corner of some trees and bushes to see them that first time. If you have a keen eye, you’ll notice that these were not wild birds, they were actually at the Baton Rouge zoo. I know, I know, it’s not “true” wildlife photography if the birds are at the zoo – but I’m readily admitting these are zoo photos – and yes, we were still thrilled and amazed to see them in person. Yes we still want to capture some real “out there” photos, but I guess it’s really no different than back yard feeder bird pictures, or “professional” photos taken at private areas where birds are coaxed into the area.
Enough about all that official stuff; these guys are simply amazing! Red, pink, orange, and white feathers. A vulture like head and face, and as my wife says, they look like old men wearing ear muffs. Simply put, they are amazing to watch. Monica (the “M” in RMGoldsmith Photography) took almost twice as many photos as I did. At one point I just had to stop clicking off shots and just stop and watch them. Watch them nibble at food with that spoon shaped bill and then swish that same bill back and forth in the water. To just look at the facial expressions they seemed to be making at times, and on this somewhat cooler day, how they stayed all nestled in their own feathers.
My blog title is called “Our Wonderful World” and it is photos like these, and the 50 or so more on my hard drive, that bring fresh into my mind, that we truly have a wonderful world. I certainly hope that you enjoy the pictures of these beautiful Roseate Spoonbills. If so, let me know by clicking on the “Like” and “Follow” button below and by all means leave me a comment. From my camera to yours, “Enjoy Our Wonderful World!”
RM Goldsmith Photography 