As long as we’ve lived on Sanibel, there are only a handful of times I have seen ROSEATE SPOONBILLS close enough to get (somewhat) good photos of them. It’s such a special treat to see them!
We saw these ROSEATE SPOONBILLS in the same area we passed on our way to Cayo Costa on the iLoveShelling Captiva Cruise where I showed you the WHITE PELICANS. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to go back there! We didn’t see the WHITE PELICANS this time but I was thrilled when Clark spotted these instead.
I always see them swinging their beaks from side to side through low tide mucky water feeling for tiny fish or shrimp or other crustaceans to feast on. Once their beak comes in contact with food, a special sensory nerve signals their beak to instantly close (I think I have that too- haha). Wouldn’t you like to see them feeding too? Well I thought so, so I took a video of them! Actually I have 2 videos for you but here’s the first one I took a few days ago. Oops! It’s a little shaky since I was sinking in that tidal muck so I was trying to keep my balance! But you’ll get the see how beautiful they are and witness that motion with their beaks for feeding.
I made this next video 2 years ago (my post Roseate Spoonbills At Sanibel Causeway) when I saw quite a few ROSEATE SPOONBILLS near the causeway in Fort Myers. I had a little more time back then so I made a fancy dancy movie with music- I love doing that! If you missed it then, you are in for a treat! Enjoy!
PS- I’ve also seen them multiple times in Ding Darling National Refuge on Sanibel. You just never know where they will show up but that’s a good place to start if you want to spot them.
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National Geographic would be pleased!!
They are so amazingly beautiful!
I have only seen them 1 time on Marco. They are so amazing and u have captured them beautifully!
Beautiful video with amazing birds! Thanks a lot for the pleasure to be in Sanibel for even several minutes…
The ARIZONA CHAPTER of iLove shelling is following the story of Teaspoon, the Spoonbill who flew away from THE WEST PALM BEACH ZOO….
The zoo’s website story is very informative and heart~warming from the Spoonie’s Keeper’s point of view.
Great post Pam !!
Those are beautiful…Hope I get a chance to see some while here. We are here until sat. Hopefully we run into you and Clark as well.
They are so beautiful! I’ve never seen one. I saw on another video that the younger birds are pale pink and the adult ones are darker. Enjoy your videos.
Pat
I just love them! They are such curious looking birds aren’t they? The first time we saw one or a group rather was in Ding Darling as we were driving through and we stopped at one of the observation areas. They are just fascinating. In that second video you posted the birds are quite a vivid “rosy” hue. Do you know what makes them rosier than some others? Thanks once again Pam for posting such wonderful, educational and amazing videos!
Pink flamingos get pinker by eating shrimp. Some think that roseate spoonbills get pinker for the same reason but the birders at Ding Darling are not convinced and I’ve realized it is very controversial. So I’ll let them figure it all out and I’ll stay away from the controversial subjects! eeeeek!!!!!
Oooo how lovely! Thanks Pam!
I did see some at Ding Darling when I went, but they were so far away I couldn’t see them all that well, even with my binoculars.
Pam, I say them in late July ….right off the causeway where the mud flats are. They are so beautiful! They were up close and personal! Loved your videos of them!
After three trips to Florida, our family got lucky and spotted them at the Corkscrew Swamp. We were there at the end of March during the swamp’s dry season and the wildlife was concentrated in a couple holes/ponds. We spent at least an hour at just one of the holes marveling at all the different wildlife. In addition to the spoonbills, we saw at least 17 alligators (a lot of babies) a pair of red-shouldered hawks, a wood stork, ibises, a black-crowned night heron, a bittern, and a turtle, all in the same pond.
Thank you for sharing! I too have only seen them a couple of times over the years. And the Puffins. Love the pictures and video….blessings for enriching our lives with your posts!
Wow! Nothing like a pink bird with big wings flying in slo-mo across the water! Love this post and that 2nd video (and the white ibis, too)! What a treat!
Beautiful pics of beautiful birds. My hands are itching for a paintbrush…
Have never seen them myself! So looking forward to visiting in late October! My ‘wish list’ for shelling and beautiful sights like this is getting longer and longer thanks to reading your blog! Can’t wait!
I just found your site, and I LOVE it! What great info and photos. I just adore Sanibel and Captiva, and have visited many times over the years. I’ve got 2 questions for you. In your opinion, what time of the year is best to visit to see birds, and also, I have never been able to snorkel there, the water has always been too “churn-y”. Are there certain times of the year that are better to try? Thanks for any info you (or your members) can provide, and keep up the great work!!
17 days counting down to Sanibel! I can’t wait to get my feet in the sand & surf. Seashells in my pockets. A couple of cruises to Cayo. Hopefully seeing these beautiful roseate spoonbills! See you on the 8th Pam!
I’m so looking forward to our cruise to Cayo Costa and seeing u too!