For the last couple of years I have been hoping to get some nice shots of Roseate Spoonbills while in Cedar Key. Even though we would hear of them being at this or that location, we didn’t have any luck being there at the right time.
Over the last several days a friend of ours told us they were seeing them at a certain location during low tide. So, for the last several days – during low tide – I have taken my camera with a 400mm telephoto lens on it to where they were supposed to be. But, to no avail.
Well today I hit the jackpot! As I drew near where they might be foraging, I spotted some pink through the brush. So, I ever so carefully kept walking until I had a open view of them.
Along the way, I spotted a group of White Ibis flying overhead, and got a shot of them…
And.. as soon as I had turned a corner, just as the Spoonbills came into sight, I saw this Great Blue Heron soaking up the sun…
And this Brown Pelican flying past…
Before getting shots of these guys!
Most of the time the Roseate Spoonbills were across a channel from me. As it turned out, I didn’t have to be too concerned about spooking them. After about 20 minutes of photographing and observing them, a kayak came paddling by not more than 20 feet from them. It didn’t bother them in the least. Then a while later an airboat came cruising through the channel and all they did is move a few feet.
As I was getting ready to head home, I noticed this Great Blue Heron walking about on a pier.
And another one off in the distance…
All in all, and very enjoyable morning!
(Click any image for a larger view)

