Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/roseate-spoonbill/ Species photography guide # Roseate Spoonbill Photography Holidays *Platalea ajaja* Explore our Roseate Spoonbill photography holidays in the [United States](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/united-states/), timed so photographers have strong chances to work with this species during the dry season (October to April) offer the best photographic conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/roseate-spoonbill/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/roseate-spoonbill/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/roseate-spoonbill/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/roseate-spoonbill/#nl-species-related) ![Roseate Spoonbill photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/an-osprey-perched-on-a-branch-with-a-freshly-caught-fish-photographed-during-our-awesome-birdlife-of-florida-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Wherethe [United States](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/united-states/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Roseate Spoonbill is a striking wading bird found across the Americas, instantly recognisable by its vivid pink & red plumage and distinctive spatula-shaped bill. It feeds by sweeping its spoon-shaped bill from side to side through shallow water to catch fish, crustaceans & aquatic invertebrates. Adults develop deeper pink & carmine colouring as they mature, with bare greenish skin on the head during breeding season. **Habitat** Roseate Spoonbills inhabit shallow coastal wetlands, mangrove swamps, estuaries & freshwater marshes. They are commonly found in the Gulf Coast of the United States, Central America, the Caribbean & South America, favouring areas with calm, shallow water rich in aquatic prey. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roseate_spoonbill) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Roseate Spoonbill with us in the [United States](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/united-states/). These departures are part of our [North America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/north-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Early morning & late afternoon light during the dry season (October to April) offer the best photographic conditions, particularly in Florida & the Gulf Coast. Breeding colonies are most active & accessible between December & June in southern Florida. **Approach** Position yourself low to the water's edge to capture the bird at eye level, which creates a more intimate & compelling composition. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the sweeping bill motion during feeding, & a telephoto lens of 500mm or longer to avoid disturbing the birds. Shoot during the golden hour when the warm light enhances the bird's pink & rose tones, making the plumage appear even more vivid against the water. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Anhinga](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/anhinga/)[Bald Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bald-eagle/)[Black-necked Stilt](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-necked-stilt/)[Burrowing Owl](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/burrowing-owl/)[Crested Caracara](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/crested-caracara/)[Double-crested Cormorant](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/double-crested-cormorant/)[Glossy Ibis](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/glossy-ibis/)[Great Blue Heron](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-blue-heron/)[Great Egret](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/great-egret/)[Limpkin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/limpkin/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Roseate Spoonbill The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Roseate Spoonbill in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Florida Ospreys](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/an-osprey-perched-on-a-branch-with-a-freshly-caught-fish-photographed-during-our-awesome-birdlife-of-florida-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg) #### Related holiday Florida Ospreys gives guests time in the United States where Roseate Spoonbill can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/florida-ospreys/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Roseate Spoonbill is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Roseate Spoonbill in the United States. During our photography holidays, the Roseate Spoonbill is often photographed alongside Anhinga, Bald Eagle, Black-necked Stilt, Burrowing Owl, Crested Caracara, & Double-crested Cormorant. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Single occupancy Maximum 4 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Florida Ospreys Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/an-osprey-perched-on-a-branch-with-a-freshly-caught-fish-photographed-during-our-awesome-birdlife-of-florida-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/florida-ospreys/) ### 12th - 22nd Apr 2029 - Florida Ospreys **Location:** the United States Osprey photography in Florida is not about waiting - it is anticipation. Birds hover, commit, miss, return, & try again, often from the same perch. This tour works with that rhythm, creating fast-paced shooting days where timing improves through repetition. **10 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£5999** Guided By **David Miles** [View Florida Ospreys](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/florida-ospreys/) -