Keeping One’s Eye on the Prize
For nearly three years now, I have been a seeker of the Roseate Spoonbill. I admit that birders can be looked upon as a little weird by some, but among ourselves, we see ourselves as focused and patient. Those two traits are absolute necessities a birders learns very quickly or the sport is just not for you. Whenever I go birding in a new area, I research what birds one might see there so that I know what my targets are. Mind you, the only birds I shoot are shot with my camera. I have looked in SC low-country, Georgia coastal areas and in Florida for the big pink bird with the unusual bill…shaped like a big spoon, hence the name “spoonbill.” But, in each location, I have searched and inquired and finished each day with pretty photos of gorgeous birds, yes, but the spoonbill, No! Each time, I give thanks for the ones I did see as well as safety along my journeys. I spent the Christmas holidays with my Florida family and after returning to NC, receive a photo message from my land-developing son-in-law showing me the picture HE captured of some spoonbills on a piece of land he is developing. Wow! What luck, I thought, as I grumbled a bit to myself. I WILL find that bird!! Well, my house sold more quickly than I thought it would so I had to get back down to FL to find my new home. I planned to drive about half-way, spend the night in Jacksonville and then, do a little birding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Titusville, FL. It was a beautiful day and I got great photos of a variety of birds, the ponds and the marshes. Of course, I was seeking the Roseate Spoonbill, but I enjoyed all the diverse birds there. There were many white American Pelicans, egrets, herons, all sorts of ducks, and white ibis. As I moved along the path, I saw flying above me a lovely and graceful Roseate Spoonbill. No time to get the picture but I SAW THE BIRD!! I was walking the path and another birder passed by and I whispered, “Did you by chance get a photo of that spoonbill in flight?” He said, “No, but there’s a bunch of them feeding down that way.” As I was shooting a large gathering of the pelicans, I zoomed out a little further and saw PINK!!! There were two spoonbills foraging nearby. Praising God the entire time, I snapped my camera as quickly as I could with some care. Then, I quickly headed in the direction of where the man had come from and what a feast!! ‘Twas a feast the 20+ spoonbills were enjoying and a feast for my eyes as well. Perhaps it was so enjoyable because of the long search I had had to finally see them. Perhaps it was simply because of my appreciation of God’s creativity, artistic design and His sense of humor in that spoon-shaped bill! Whatever, it was a glorious bit of time as I snapped away. Once I felt I had enough, I started the trek back to my car. I must have passed 6 or 8 other birders walking toward me and EACH one slowed to whisper the same question, “Were there any roseate spoonbills down that way?” This made me smile inside and out for I was imagining their oncoming gasps and ooos and ahs set ahead of them. Love me some Roseate Spoonbills!!! Thank you, Lord!...
Read MoreGreat Blue Heron vs. Snake
While visiting Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge near Titusville, FL, I was fortunate to witness a new sight with one of my very favorite water birds, the Great Blue Heron. I had been watching him move about tactically in the marsh and saw he was very focused on his journey. I thought, “He’s looking for a nice fish for lunch!” All of a sudden he lunged forward in heron-style with great precision and there was his lunch dangling from his long spear-like beak…a snake!! The next few moments were impressive. I estimated the snake to be about 4-5 ft. long of considerable girth. He had caught the snake behind the head…smart move. Guess he had done that a few times. It was so interesting to see him work with the snake jerking and flipping the slimy creature until he got it just like he wanted it and then the descent down the throat began. UGH!!! The heron stretched his long neck out to give a direct path to his luncheon treat to travel and pretty soon one could see the movement down the throat. It certainly gave new meaning to “Bottoms Up!” And just as we human do, he stepped just a few feet forward and grabbed a drink to help wash it all down. Just felt a little blessed to see that whole process. ...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
National Audubon Society
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