14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Spoonbill's fresh catch

Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, feeding at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Florida's Atlantic Coast. Spoonbills feed by dragging their spoon-shaped bills through shallow water in search of fish. Once caught, a fish may be flipped into the air for easier access, as the spoonbill in this image is demonstrating.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2016
Date Uploaded: 08.2016
Photo Location: Merritt Island, Florida, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Copyright: © Alessandra Ashley