Pink Surprise

When the north wind blows over Isla Mujeres, Nancy & I often take a morning walk around Salina Grande, a brackish lake on the less windy south part of the island. Occasionally a roseate spoonbill appears there, running its large beak through the scummy water for a tasty breakfast.

Last year, only once did we spot its unmistakable pink feathers and long spatulate bill, like a huge gray tongue depressor with an enlarged end. Spoonbills feed by immersing their beak in water and swinging their head back and forth, snapping up small fish and crustaceans.

Normally roseate spoonbills like to be in a group (called a bowl). We tend to see only solitary spoonbills on Isla—maybe it’s the same one year after year. We spotted one when Nancy happened to have our camera in her pocket and was able to photograph this beautiful bird.

Becky