Bowls of Spoonbills

We took a little mid-week getaway trip last week, staying in Titusville on what's known as Florida's Space Coast.  But we went to see the birds, not the rockets.  We spent most of two days walking in the Orlando Wetlands near the strangely named village of Christmas.  

 

 

Making angel wings!

Bowls of Roseate Spoonbills were everywhere.  (That really is the collective noun for groups of Spoonbills.)    I'm happy any time I even glimpse those beautiful pink wings.  On this trip they gave us more than glimpses.  

 

Great Blue Heron and habitat scenery, Orlando Wetlands

"In the midst of chaos, find peace. In the midst of sorrow, find joy. In the midst of loss, find hope.” 

                                                                        Margaret Renkl, “Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss" 

 

Roseate Spoonbill

 

Usually we see spoonbills foraging in shallow water.  They use that bill to sweep the water stirring  little fishes and insects up from the bottom.     So that bill (more spatula-shaped than spoon in my opinion)  is a  necessary survival feature, but it really isn't exactly what makes them so photogenic.  On this day they must have already eaten because all we saw were perched up above the water.  All the better to show off their color and wingspread.

 

 

A whole bowl of Spoonbills

This was an accidental flight-shot, but I'm rather proud of it anyway.  I'm usually too slow on the button to catch that action.

 

Foraging Roseate Spoonbill (from an old post)

 

We saw other birds on our two days of walking the Wetlands and  again on our Merritt Island drive-through  on our way home,  but they need their own future post.  These beauties somehow almost took over this one.

Spending time in nature is a path toward calm and peace.    I'm grateful we were able to go there. 

 

Thanks to everyone for your support.  I'm Linking to the following sharing opportunities, with thanks to the hosts:
 

SATURDAY CRITTERS; NATURE NOTES; MOSAIC MONDAY;  THROUGH MY LENS;   MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; WILD BIRD Wednesday;  THANKFUL THURSDAY; and  SKYWATCH FRIDAY   

 

 

 

Comments

[Veronica Lee]

Stunning photos, Sallie! The colors, the wings, the peaceful scenery—what an absolute dream! Love how you captured the spoonbills showing off their elegance. Nature always has a way of surprising us! Can’t wait to see more from your journey. 🦩💖

[Traude "Rostrose"]

Dear Sallie,
What a wonderful journey you shared! The “bowls of Spoonbills” are truly breathtaking — those gorgeous pink wings and elegant poses make them absolutely magical 🦩💖. I love how you captured their beautyl especially that accidental flight shot — such a perfect moment caught on camera! 📸✨ (And it looks lika a painting...)
The Orlando Wetlands seem like a peaceful paradise, and your words about finding calm and peace in nature really resonate. It’s such a gift to experience those quiet moments surrounded by stunning wildlife and soothing scenery 🌿🕊️.
I’m already looking forward to your next post about the other birds you spotted!
Wishing you many more joyful adventures in the wild!
Traude 🌸😊
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/05/freundinnen-tag-in-der-klimt-villa-und.html

[Diane]

A bowl of spoonbills. I must remember that for our next trivia night.Their colour is pretty and well done for catching them in flight.
I've been missing your posts because your post notification doesn't come via email any more and your link has gone to the bottom of my list.

[Michelle Keltner]

Your flight photo is excellent! I like the rose color of the spoonbills. They are beautiful. Thank you for linking up and have a great weekend!

[Jm, Illinois, U.S.A.]

Merritt Island is a wonderful place to capture these birds. Wowza!

[Peter B.]

Gorgeous birds, and well photographed. I don't think I've ever seen a Spoonbill, so it's fun to see your photos!

[Michelle Banks]

I hope nature is soothing to you dear Sallie...hugs..Michelle

[Pat]

The Roseate Spoonbills are so lovely and colorful! They are certainly a sight to see. I'm curious if the town of Christmas that you visited have any holiday-themed places or displays?

[A ShutterBug Explores]

Wow! ~ Those Spoonbills are beautiful birds and you have photographed them so well ~ thanks, hugs,

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores ~ clm
aka (A Creative Harbor)

[::: Heidrun]

It's Thursday afternoon, time to visit the friends of the link party
MosaicMonday
And I'm looking forward to the various contributions again. Thank you, for your wonderful post and a nice comment alike. Your collage is fantastic, dear Sallie. have a wonderful week.

Many greetings from Heidrun

[Debbie]

i was so happy to see your name at another blog today. i am overjoyed that you were able to go on this excursion. these images are so exciting for ne, i have only seen the roseate spoonbill in a zoo. i would pick birds over rockets any second of any day!! you are a warrior my friend, i wish you many days watching the birds and finding "your" peace, whatever that looks life!!

[shiju sugunan]

What a beautiful post! Those Roseate Spoonbills are absolutely stunning, and "bowls of spoonbills" is the most delightful collective noun I've heard in a long time.

[Dina Johnston]

Very cool! Looks like you had a productive trip. I have not been over there but it's on my list.

[Lisa]

Lovely photos and such beautiful coloured birds. I hope you enjoyed your getaway trip.

[magiceye]

Lovely captures!
Reminds me of flamingos!

[Linda Walcroft]

Beautiful birds! Thanks for sharing.

[Annie]

They are so beautiful, Sallie ! Thanks a lot !

[DeniseinVA]

Hello Sallie, so happy to see this post. You certainly had a lovely trip with many beautiful sightings. These made me smile all the way through. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week :)

[Amy]

wow Sallie, a town named Christmas? Love it. And those birds are a lovely colour. Hope you're hanging in there and doing ok.

[Beatrice]

These are lovely birds, Sallie, and while I have seen flamingoes many times, I've never been fortunate enough to see these Roseate Spoonbills up close, so thank you for charing. I agree with you that there's nothing more calming than being in nature and seeing the beauty aall around.

[Ellen Bayles]

You got some amazing shots of these special birds. What a worthwhile getaway. I've never seen Spoonbills in the wild. It was a treat to see your photos here. Hope you have a lovely week ahead...

[Hazel]

Lovely to see. I’m glad the world’s beginning to turn the right way up again; my best wishes to you both.

[Linda]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your photos are gorgeous! I am so glad to have found you again! You and I used to follow one another's blogs when I was at Linda's Peaceful Place. I had no computer for more than 7 years and due to the amount of time that had passed, I lost access to my old blog. I started a new blog at Linda's Relaxing Lair (link is here for you), at the end of March.

I just wanted to let you know that I am back again and I am so glad to have found your blog to let you know.

[hena]

Wow those Roseate Spoonbills look unreal... I didn't even know they existed.

[Stewart M]

Spoonbills are great! And these have such a wonderful colour. Look out for this week's WBW as it will contain (you guessed it!) spoonbills (well, spoonbill actually!)
Hope all is well.

Cheers - Stewart M - just back from Europe!

[Yvonne]

What a lovely way to spend some quality time. Your photos are beautiful.

[Lavender Dreams]

I went back to find out what had happened and I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs, Diane

[Lavender Dreams]

Spoonbills are my favorite Florida bird and it's been a long time since I've seen this many. A bowl of Spoonbills...how glorious! Beautiful photos my friend!

[Alan]

I love to see spoonbills in real life and photograph them. Your are gorgeous.

[Iris Flavia]

Such a variety - we don´t have that here...

[John's Island]

Sallie,

A getaway graced by wings of rose,
Where calm in pink plumage gently flows.
No rockets needed to lift the soul—
Just Spoonbills perched, and moments whole.

A lucky shot, a quiet thrill,
By waters still near Christmas Hill.
Nature's peace, your sweet reward—
In every bird, your spirit soared.

John

[Eileen]

Wow, beautiful photos of the Roseate Spoonbills. They are lovely birds, I like the term a bowl of Spoonbills. I have been to many parks in Florida, but I missed the Orlando Wetlands. I love the quote In the mist of chaos, find peace. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.