Pink Angels

The Roseates were out in full force at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island at sunset a few days ago, on Jan. 20th. I couldn't resist the photo ops. The light was coming in from the side and they were standing in shallow water on the first pond, bathing, preening and holding out their wings in the special way they do during their preening rituals. I was blowing through my 1 Gig cards in record speed, trying to anticipate the seconds during which they hold open their wings.

Every feather in those beautiful wings were lit up as if held in front of a candle, wings glowing luminescent against the dark water. It was a heavenly moment, captured and preserved by the camera. When I look at those glorious wings all I can think of is Pink Angels.

Photos of Roseate Spoonbills © Lillian Stokes, 2007