This image is the reason I have always wanted to visit Florida. I had many types of bird images in my imagination, but this is the one I really really wanted. A Roseate Spoonbill standing in still water with a perfect reflection.
Please click the image to view a larger version.
I captured many images of birds in Florida, but this is the one that left me feeling satisfied. Mission accomplished.
I am in Big Bend National Park in Texas this week with very limited internet access but I have scheduled more bird reflections to go up on the blog every day this week for you to enjoy.
Anne,
Lovely.
Do you mind sharing your camera settings and lenses used ?
Alex
Hi Alexander, sorry for the late reply, I have been on very limited internet lately. I used a Canon 400mm f/5.6L lens (a beauty). The settings were ISO200, f/5.6, 1/500second.
Wow Anne, you keep getting better and better. This is stunning with a great reflection and wonderful colors.
Thank you very much Len 😉 you are too kind. Well I’m getting lots of practice on this trip, that was the idea, put some miles on this shutter finger. Thanks for the kind compliment.
Blew me away Anne! I love him! Couldn’t be more perfect…
Hi there sis! Nice to see you here. Wow, it must be good if someone in my own family leaves a comment on the blog – that’s unheard of 😛 I’m really glad you like him, it is definitely one of my favourite images I have made so far on the trip. Thanks for leaving a comment, I’m glad you visit once in awhile.
Wonderfully colorful, Anne. I’m so happy you got the shot you dreamed of.
Enjoy Big Bend. I was there for a few days in the early ’80s. I loved the Window Trail. Interestingly, I recently finished a Nevada Barr book that took place in Big Bend, BORDERLINE.
Hi Mim, thank you very much! I am loving Big Bend. I went on the window trail a few days ago but the little flies chased me away. I’ll have to try again wearing my armour. Thanks for the book recommendation! I really like reading books that are set in the area where I am travelling. I’m a little behind though – reading “gone with the wind” set in Georgia right now. I’m also trying to read some classics. I added the Nevada Barr book to my list, but the kindle book is more expensive than the paperback! I wasn’t sure if I would like the kindle but I haven’t put it down since I got it!
Very nice! Love the dreamy background that lets all the focus go to the bird.
Thank you very much for your kind compliment Marc, much appreciated!
WOW Anne I didn’t think you could top your others shots but you did. This is incredible.
Great capture Anne…can’t wait to see the others!
Hi John, thank you very much! I hope you enjoyed the bird reflection series. It was handy to be able to put them up every day when I knew I wouldn’t have internet. Sorry for the late reply, I’m just catching up on all the comments now.
Thank you so much Edith!! I am getting a lot of practice with the birds. Maybe I’ll become a wildlife photographer after all!!
So, Mission accomplished huh. Does that mean you’re finished? Hope not 🙂 Beautiful composition, Anne. Are those colors real?
Hi Mark, No, I’m definitely not finished! I hope I am just getting started. But it was nice to get the shot I really really wanted in the bag. And yes, those colours are in fact real!! He’s a really colourful bird in the soft light.
Oh Wow! Satisfied? – Elated I would hope. What a superb image and the reflection is so still. And nothing intruding. This is totally top drawer, Anne.
Hi Andy, thank you very much!! I am elated about this image. I thought some people might think I used flood to make the reflection, but it is all real.
Absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations!
Thanks Laurie!
Lovely photo of one of my favorite Florida birds. I am very envious, but thank you.
I have seen a spoonie in a pond next to a block of condos in St. Pete but where did you take this one?
Hi Jon, Thank you very much for your comments. The spoonbill is one of my favourite birds too because they are so unique. I found this one at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge near Fort Myers.
I love your bird reflection series!
Hi Siddhartha, thanks for your kind comments! I went back to this location many times before the water was still enough to make these reflections.
Anne, I live within an easy drive to two natural areas, Green Cay and Wakodahatchee Wetlands near Delray Beach FL, and we have had very limited Spoonbills the last two years. They are one of my “lifetime” photos that I would like to say I have captured. Your photo of the spoonie is stunning!! I guess I will just have to make the drive to the west coast of FL to Ding Darling for a chance to snap my spoonie. Thanks so much for sharing. I am enjoying reading about your experiences and thoughts on photography… I am truly so happy when I am photographing, especially nature.
Hi Danelle, thank you very much for your comments. It sounds like we have the quest for the spoonie image in common! I had been waiting for ages to get the chance to make an image like that. Ding Darling was truly fabulous and I’m sure you will love it there. I rented a lens especially for the occasion. Spoonbills are the best! I’m glad you are enjoying the blog 🙂