Are there really spoonbills in Florida?

A friend who knew that I had done a little photography while in Florida asked when I was going to post a spoonie. Well, this is the first of several that will probably eventually show up:S3:

D4 600VR with TC14 f/6.3 1/3200s ISO 1000 tripod, standing in Tampa Bay, courtesy of Capt. James.

Post: minor crop from right for comp. selective sharpening.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Was happy to get him just above the mangroves, as I have pretty much stopped doing birds against a clear blue sky, unless it is something really unique. I like the extra depth and sense of place that the bg can provide.

Cheers

Randy

Randy, I completely agree with you on the addition of the beautifully blurred mangroves. Not only do they add the depth and sense of place you mention, they provide a nice frame for the bird. The soft greens blend into the blue sky and provide a lovely back drop for the brilliant pinks of the spoonbill. Very nice position on the bird.

Randy,

Another beut! I like that he's above the mangroves, but I like that the mangroves are there even more!

No critiques here, but I look forward to seeing more.

Miguel

Nice one Randy, and I like that mangrove line too. Nice pose overall and the colours are very appealing. I know it was part of its' plumage but the black speck over the eye kind distracts me a bit, you could patch it out I guess as I'm not certain every individual has that there. Looking forward to the others too!

Love everything about this image. Looking forward to more.

Agree with including mangroves

Nice flight shot, Randy. nice flight pose, light and colours. The OOF tree tops at the bottom add interest.

He re is another vote for the mangrove line.. Very nice image ...Colors are great ..

Dave

Yes, agree on the mangrove line. It provides a depth and nice color BG. Nice colorful bird and sweet light.

Hi Randy, great flight pose showing the down stroke of both wings, and the spoonie is well exposed and nice and sharp. Sometimes its difficult to resist taking any bird against a plain blue sky, but I agree, against a foliage or partial foliage BG, will beat a blue sky any day.

Nice flight pose Randy, agree with the trees helping to anchor the shot. Exposure, color, details all look great here. Gary.

Thanks everyone, appreciate your input, and comments about the BG component.

Cheers

Randh

Hi Randy, This is fantastic flight image of this species and I too love that mangrove line at bottom...TFS

I'd like it a bit tighter but that BG would be hard to crop out. Smart choice on keeping it. Fine job.