A few days ago I made a trip to the National Zoo in Washington D.C. and one of my highlights was visiting the massive Amazonia exhibit. While walking through the indoor rain forest, I could hear activity high in the trees and caught sight of some brightly colored small bird. I think there are also several varieties of monkeys that I did not spot and all kinds of amphibians and fish.
I was shocked and thrilled when a Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) flew over and perched a few feet away from me when I was observing an exotic duck. I had previously marveled at the photos of Roseate Spoonbills posted by photographers in Florida and other southern US states, but had never seen one before. The spoonbill seemed to be a bit curious about my presence and willingly posed for me.
It was nice that the Roseate Spoonbill was so cooperative, because I had only a single lens with me, a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens. Initially I was worried that most subjects would be too far away for me to capture with the modest telephoto reach of the lens, but it proved to be perfect when taking portraits of the spoonbill who was less than three feet (one meter) away from me.
My wonderful experience with this beautiful bird increases my desire to see a spoonbill in the wild. I really enjoy visiting zoos, particularly ones like the National Zoo that, I believe, make special efforts to care for the animals. The zoo gives me a chance to observe animal behavior, including animals that I am not likely to see in the wild, but it can never be a replacement for the overall experience of observing animals, birds, and other wondrous creatures in their natural environment.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Spoonbills are one of my favorite birds. They breed here in Texas, and although they aren’t predictably in one spot or another, they do show up here and there fairly regularly. I was lucky enough to find a mixed flock of wood storks and spoonies once — what a sight that was. I’ve never been so close to one, though. Maybe I should visit our zoo!
One of the cool things about the National Zoo is that admission is free, which means that I can go there as often as I like and not feel like I have to see everything “to get my money’s worth.” I am still waiting to see wood storks–they have such an unusual look, as does the spoonbill.
I agree, Mike, zoos are great opportunities to see creatures we may never get a chance to see. I think spoonbills are one of the coolest birds, and my first sighting, I’m sure like this one of yours, and all sightings thereafter were totally thrilling. Such an odd and beautiful creature. You might want to visit Ding Darling NP in Florida sometime, it’s a gorgeous reserve with incredible wading birds great for photographing, and they have spoonbills there.
Thanks for the recommendation, Jet. Florida has such an abundance of “exotic” wildlife that it is different from what I see all of time here in Northern Virginia. I just checked out the Ding Darling website and it looks like there is always a variety of birds there, with species migrating in and/or passing through.
Beautiful work, Zoos depress me the animals look so sad.
Thanks, Louis. I have to say that I did encounter a few animals that fell into that category, but I also got to watch a giant panda tumbling down a grassy incline that seemed to be really enjoying himself. I guess it is somewhat of a mixed bag. One of the saving graces about a large zoo like the National Zoo is its participation in animal conservation efforts. I was particularly taken by its work in trying to maintain the genetic diversity in the cheetah population.
Great captures, Mike, and great that you got to see a Spoonie in person. I have mixed feelings about zoos and their affects on the animals, but was glad to read you feel the National Zoo takes good care of their charges. I do hope you get to see them in the wild at some point—nothing like it!
Thanks, Ellen. Most wildlife photographers share that same mixture of emotions regarding zoos. I doubt that I will ever see in the wild some of the animals I observed, like Giant Pandas and cheetahs, but I am pretty confident that I will eventually make a trip south to Florida or a similar location to see the spoonbills in their natural environment.
Ahhh the Spoonbill. I had always thought a Bald Eagle was the photographers favorite…not even close. People fall all over themselves trying to get a shot 😂😂. Probably why the spoonies are always smiling. LOL.
Probably is Ted 🙂
Very Nice Mike! Spoonbills are one of my favorite large birds! Plus they are a large subject! They can be quite animated and fun to watch & photograph. I mostly see & photograph them in Florida, but about 7 or so years ago I was photographing one at the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, Brigantine Division, in New Jersey! Let’s just say it really stood out among the other usual suspects there. I even got some nice flight shots.
Mike, writing poetry is difficult for me now, yet I look forward to your insightful photography each day, and I marvel how your writing is clear and involving. Smiles, dear Word Press friend. Bonnie
Thanks so much for your wonderful words of encouragement, Bonnie. I initially thought that this blog would be a place for me to express myself with my photos, but over the years I have come to enjoy expressing myself creatively with my words just as much (or more sometimes) as with my photos. Best wishes for you, Bonnie, for peace and contentment, whatever that looks like for you. Mike
Me, too! So want to see a wild one
hi their.. please follow,like and coment to my blog thankssss
Such an interesting beak on this bird! 😊 I enjoyed seeing your photos, Mike! 👍