Paul Marcellini Photography

I decided to wake up early and kayak into Snake Bight to try and see some flamingos that had been spotted. After what seemed like forever, battling the outgoing tide, I made it around a bend and scanned the horizon. There was lots of pink but they all seemed to be Roseate Spoonbills. As I continued further into the bight, I scanned again and there they were, 5 flamingos. Still several football fields away, I had some paddling to do. As I got closer I slowed and took a documentary shot, just to show they were there.

I then continued closer, and closer. They seemed to ignore me and I was able to get several good shots of them. Here are two of my favorites.

The wind made it difficult to stay in position and seemed to be blowing the water out really fast so I decided to head back before I got stuck.

The Roseates were a little more cooperative as I drifted out, and I got these two.

I didn’t notice a shark working the flats until my kayak drifted over him. At about 5 feet he made a nice splash and caused chaos for the birds.

These little terns were also dive bombing all around me. Im not sure on the species though.

I also got to see 2, maybe 3 bald eagles, all molting into their adult plumage.

And of course I brought a rod to throw a few casts. Got one little jack that tried to break my wrist, and this snook. He went maybe 25-26″.

Overall, a fun but tiring day. I think it is around an 8 mile paddle.

~ by Paul on November 3, 2008.