A roseate spoonbill carries nesting material back home in Orlando wetlands in Christmas, Florida.
Photo: Ronen Tivony
Ronen Tivony’s spoonbill photo published in The Guardian captures a roseate spoonbill carrying nesting material at Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, Florida. The image appears in the March 20, 2026 “Week in Wildlife” gallery.
Orlando Wetlands: spoonbill nesting site
Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida hosts active roseate spoonbill colonies during breeding season. The 1,800-acre park features open water and elevated dikes that provide clear views of birds commuting between feeding areas and nest trees.
Males gather sticks while females construct platform nests in trees over water, creating predictable flight patterns photographers can anticipate. Early mornings offer the cleanest light and least disturbance.
Orlando Wetlands: spoonbill nesting site
Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida hosts active roseate spoonbill colonies during breeding season. The 1,800-acre park features open water and elevated dikes that provide clear views of birds commuting between feeding areas and nest trees.
Males gather sticks while females construct platform nests in trees over water, creating predictable flight patterns photographers can anticipate. Early mornings offer the cleanest light and least disturbance.
Roseate spoonbill nesting facts
Roseate spoonbills nest colonially in wetlands from Florida to Texas. Breeding peaks March through June, when adults develop bright pink breeding plumage from carotenoid-rich diets.
Males deliver construction materials multiple times daily. Females weave sticks into nests typically 18-24 inches wide, sited 10-20 feet above water for predator protection. Flight paths remain consistent once pairs select territories.
Why Orlando Wetlands Park is Prime for Spoonbills
Orlando Wetlands Park is a premier destination for Roseate Spoonbill photography because of its diverse ecosystem. The park consists of man-made wetlands that provide a consistent habitat for wading birds.
Key Benefits of This Location:
Accessibility: The berms provide elevated vantage points, allowing you to shoot at a lower, more intimate eye level with the birds.
Bird Density: During the late winter and spring months, spoonbills frequent the area in high numbers.
Light Quality: The open layout of the marshes offers unobstructed light during the “golden hours.”
Moreover, the park is a testament to successful environmental engineering. By treating reclaimed water through natural marsh filtration, the city has created a sanctuary where wildlife thrives.
FAQ
1. When is the best time of year for Roseate Spoonbill photography in Florida? The peak season is typically from February through May. During this time, the birds are in their most vibrant breeding plumage and are very active in the wetlands.
2. What lens is best for bird photography at Orlando Wetlands Park? A focal length of at least 400mm is recommended. However, a 600mm lens (or a 200-600mm zoom) is ideal for capturing intimate portraits without disturbing the birds.
3. Is Orlando Wetlands Park free to visit? Yes, the park is currently free to the public, though it is closed during certain times of the year for maintenance. Always check the official City of Orlando website before planning your trip.
4. How do I capture the best pink colors in my photos? Shoot during the “golden hour” (just after sunrise or before sunset). The warm light enhances the natural pink tones of the spoonbill’s feathers.
About Ronen Tivony
Ronen Tivony is an award-winning wildlife photojournalist and a Certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida. With over 30 years of experience behind the lens, ranging from high-stakes news photojournalism to intimate wildlife encounters, Ronen brings a “story-first” approach to nature photography.
In 2020, he was awarded a prestigious Fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS), a distinction that reflects his technical mastery and artistic vision. His work is regularly featured in global publications, including The New York Times, National Geographic, BBC, CNN, and The Guardian.
Through his company, Wildlife with Ronen, LLC he leads specialized photography workshops across Florida’s most iconic ecosystems. His goal is to help photographers of all levels move beyond basic settings to capture images that communicate behavior, emotion,