Now I understand

[John Chardine]

When I joined BPN in early 2008, I was struck by how many Roseate Spoonbill images were being posted, to the point where I thought "oh not another one". So fast-forward to 2013 and I'm on the Hooptie Deux with Captain James and these exquisite birds are right in front of me. So now I understand how amazing they are. I've seen the European species but this one from our part of the world has to take the cake. As a footnote, I made a birding trip to Florida in the 1980s and it seemed I saw "spoonies" everywhere, at least in the Everglades. Now I realise how special and localised they are.

For this image I "spotted" the BG to reduce the effect of some distracting elements, cropped and sharpened. This bird was having a bath and finished, as they predictably do, with some wing-waves like this. I like that the pink splash is against an essentially dark BG of water and mangrove.

Date: 25 February, 2013, Time: 1007h
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +2.0x, @ 1000 mm
Program: Manual
ISO 400, 1/1600s, f/10

[Steve Uffman]

Very impressive. Among the best of many IMOIMO

[jack williamson]

Beautiful exposure, perfect colors. I love the pink reflection in the water.

[Karl Egressy]

Great image, John. The dark background makes it pop.

[Satish Ranadive]

John:
Magnificent image with magical colors.
Love the wing position,HA,lovely pinks and orange on tail,nice dark BG and beautiful pink reflection.

Regards,
Satish.

[Marina Scarr]

I could tell you understood after seeing a smile on your face for 4 hrs straight!

Love the colors and action here. You did a good job toning down a tough BG. You have a nice low angle and the Spoonie even gave you a head turn..

James always aims to please and a trip on the Hooptie Deux rarely disappoints. Glad you had so much fun.

[John Chardine]

Thanks everyone.

If any of you ever get a chance to go out with James Shadle to this location near Tampa, Florida, take it!!!!

Marina- by 1000h the light was getting bright (finally!) and so a good exposure on the bird meant a very dark BG with very little to do to clean it up.

[Robert vanMierop]

Nice head angle and wing position. A nice Spoony image.

[Doug Brown]

That's one fine image John! Those pinks are over the top!

[christopher galeski]

Beautiful image,sharp great detail,and the color magic.well done.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Magical.... really like how... with all the beautiful "Pinks" going on..... viewer's eye is still drawn to the eye of the bird. Great work! (and sounds like it was fun too!)

[Rachel Hollander]

Beautiful image, John. It really pops from the bg. Well done!

TFS,
Rachel

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

Love the light on this and the raised wings as well. Cant wait to Join Cap'n James myself this year

[Frank Schauf]

Excellent Pose and light, good exposure control, nice comp and good ambient.

[mohammad reza shahab]

Beautiful exposure, perfect colors and Pose.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Always a good time to be had on the Hooptie Deux!! Glad you got your opportunity, and it looks like you took full advantage. The colours look great, and the low angle too. Techs perect. It looks like the image may need some CCW rotation though...