We saw quite a few roseate spoonbills!

A favorite landing place.

Coming in for a landing.

Oops, try again.

Their mating season is March through June.

In flight right in front of the bow of our boat.

Their average wingspan is 50 inches.

Breeding in the United States is restricted to coastal Texas, southwestern Louisiana, and southern Florida.

The feathers were highly prized for ladies' fans in the early 1900's.

In the 1930's the population had dropped to an historic low.

Now with full legal protection from hunting the species is beginning to rebound.
Francie Stoutamire Photography