A roseate spoonbill lands on a tree at the Orlando Wetlands in Christmas, Florida. Photo: Ronen Tivony

My photo of a roseate spoonbill landing on a tree at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, Florida, was selected for The Guardian’s “Week in Wildlife” gallery (Feb 6, 2026). See my roseate spoonbill in The Guardian: Week in Wildlife

5 Fascinating Roseate Spoonbill Facts

Roseate spoonbills stand out in Florida wetlands like Orlando Wetlands Park with their vibrant pink plumage and unique feeding style. [conversation context]

  • Pink from diet: Shrimp carotenoids color their feathers—brighter pink signals healthier birds and better mates.

  • Spoon-shaped bill: Side-to-side sweeping filters small fish, crustaceans in shallow water (perfect for Orlando Wetlands marshes).

  • Tree nesters: Colonial rookeries in willows/mangroves; one clutch (2-3 eggs) per year. Orlando Wetlands islands stay predator-free.

  • Social feeders: Flock foraging creates dynamic photo opportunities, watch group “head bobbing” before flight.

  • Recovery story: Near-extinct 1900s from plume hunting; populations rebound through wetland protection like Orlando Wetlands Park. [conversation context]

Roseate spoonbill Orlando Wetlands sightings peak November-April when pink flocks contrast green marshes, prime time for photography.

About Ronen Tivony

Wildlife photojournalist and certified Florida Master Naturalist Ronen Tivony blends 30+ years of wire news photography with deep ecological expertise.

Global Recognition

Published in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC, CNN, and more. Earned the 2020 Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS)—one of photography’s highest honors. Former Board Member and Vice President, Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles