~May each moment you spend bring you comfort & peace~ ~May your sorrows diminish, your blessings increase~
~May your day be embroidered with love, joy & grace~ ~May the moon tuck you in with a smile on your face~

11.17.2009

The flap of pink wings


exploring the pigtrails...looking for birds... we do that a lot

Something pink caught my eye. She was flying low, but fast. Flapped right over my head ... & flew into a field, where we couldn't follow. Where was she going in such a hurry? To meet another? These Roseate Spoonbill shots aren't mine, but that's exactly what she looked like as she glided away. She wasn't very high off the ground.


drive on...down to the little ferry tucked in heart of industry

It carries just a few cars at a time, scooting between the freight traffic heading up the ship channel. Three minutes (more or less) from one side to the other, tankers looming large... you hope your captain's judgment is true. Spoonbills have been spotted in that area, but no luck for me. Not yet.


landscape? not spectacular, but the sky was pretty
the sky's so important...
many dreams live there

I did get a pretty twilight shot of the San Jacinto Monument. At 567 feet tall (plus a few inches), it's the tallest "monument column" in the world,... taller than the Washington Monument. Such a shame refineries now surround it. This is where "Remember the Alamo!" was cried out... where Sam Houston defeated Santa Ana and the Mexican Army. Texas was born on this spot. A republic first, a state later; yes, we were a country before we joined the USA. That big star weighs 220 tons. See the little observation windows under it? Imagine a little girl peering out of one, taking polaroid pictures & clutching her Daddy's hand very, very tightly.

I remember how it swayed slightly, how it felt to be up there. I wonder if the bars have been replaced with glass? Wonder what happened to those shots? Maybe we'll go back & go up... see what we can see.


Maybe I'll spot something pink nesting in the trees, or the surrounding marsh. We're seeing spoonbills more often. They're coming back to the upper Texas coast, like the brown pelican did. (Pink beauties have taken up residence in golf courses near the Gulf.) If you live where they flourish, chime in & teach me about them. I'm fascinated by their pretty color & quirky faces.
...♥...

Barbara Jacksier's posting about mermaids today
Waterside Wednesday
.

31 little pearls:

simpledaisy said...

L.O.V.E your new header!! So beachy cute:)

SummersStudio said...

What stunning birds. I would like to see one.

Maya said...

That bird is gorgeous! And Julie..., I love, love your new header!!

Sue (Someone's Mom) said...

I've never seen a bird like that...what a treat for you. This was a fun post to read.

Sue

Jane said...

Julia,
I have not seen a roseate spoonbill in ages! How beautiful! Your new "look" is gorgeous. I need lessons....

Jane (artfully graced)

Barbara Jacksier said...

What a beautiful bird and a gorgeous post.

Brenda @Cozy Little House said...

I love your new header too! So pretty and soothing at the same time! They are gorgeous and elegant birds. Never seen them before.
Brenda

Beach Vintage said...

You can shower me with pink anyday!

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

I didn't realize the spoonbills were so pink! They are beautiful and would love to catch a glimpse of one of these. I had to check myself thinking of your hand grasping your dads, staring at the star...

Sarah said...

Julia, I've never seen one of these, and I grew up on the TX coast. This is the most gorgeous bird. Thank you for sharing these photos. I want to learn more about these birds.

Mickey (Michel) Johnson said...

...now that is a lovely shade of pink...bright and vibrant...puts a big smile on my face just looking at that majestic bird...what a site it must have been to have it swoop overhead! love your new banner photo too...makes me long for the sea...xo, mickey

styleodyssey said...

how pretty that bird is! i've never heard of, nor seen, the fascinating roseate spoonbill. i once lived on the texas coast- saw plenty of whooping cranes in season, at one of the wildlife refuges, though. it must have felt spectacular to see the spoonbill- and he's pink!

if you're ever visited the island of anegada (british virgin islands), you may see the pink flamingos. i live nearby, and have only seen them once or twice. but what a sight!

your lovely blog is so inspirational. just discovered it via your comment (thanks!) on mine.

pilgrimchick said...

I love your photographs here--that pink color is one that we rarely see occur in the natural environment here up north.

Nancy*McKay said...

...what a delight...to visit you today...put me in the PINK...gorgeous new updo...i could stay here all day looong...:)))

Jeannie said...

i agree with the others julia. the new header is fresh and lovely and peaceful. and the picture of the "pink" bird? breathtaking, really.

Reflections from the Stone Nest said...

Oh, I love the birds. And this big pink one is absolutely divine! Thanks for sharing. So happy you are getting more wildlife returning. That's definitely a good sign. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Blessings,
Kitty

Rhonda @ Shellbelle's Tiki Hut said...

Hi Julia, my how I've missed you! Love the new header, I want a pink and white beach cottage.

I love Roseate Spoonbills. I don't see them often here on the west coast of Florida, but Merritt Island Refuge on the east coast has hundreds! I took some great pics of them wading and feeding one early morning while visiting.

As the pic on your blog shows, unlike herons, they fly with their necks outstretched.

Did you know that in the late 1800s-early 1900s they were killed for their plumage? Picture those fancy hats at the turn of the century. In the 1930s the Audubon Society step in to protect them. There were only a few nests left in the Everglades. Between hunting and habitat destruction we almost lost these beautiful birds.

Glad to hear they're making a comeback in your area also!

DG Jewelry Designs said...

Julia, absolutely gorgeous!!! Your blog is so inspirational. Beautiful pictures and little pearls...

prashant said...

What stunning birds. I would like to see one.
How to make a website

Neabear said...

The pink spoonbills are so neat. I have never seen one before. And did not know they existed either. The things we learn in blogland! Thanks for sharing.

~Linnea

Pearl Maple said...

Fabulous post full of delightful shades of pink. Hope you are having a fun weekend preparing for the holidays.

icandy... said...

Julia,
Your photos are just beautiful... gotta love those pinks!!!
Happy day!
Christina

Jackie said...

Hi!
I want to give you an award! Please read my blog. I like your blog very much!! /Jackie

Light and Voices said...

Pink clouds look like cotton candy; but the best is the Pink bird. Lovely blog.
Joyce, IL, USA

Maya said...

Hi Julia,

I'm just stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope all is well!!

Gaby Bee said...

Wanted to send along some wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Hugs, Gaby

Jillie said...

Julia,
Hope you have a warm and happy Christmas. (And hope you’re just taking a break & everything’s okay?)
Jillie.

Maria Trendy said...

Beautiful pictures, the bird is gorgeous. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :)

mimi charmante said...

merry christmas sweet girl~ I hope you are well and have missed you...
bisous

Jeannie said...

hi julia,

are you well? i've been missing you...and you haven't posted in over a month. please post so I know things are fine, as I hope they are in your world.

happy holidays, i hope.

Mike said...

I saw one of these birds this morning while driving to work. They are breathtaking!

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