Gallery Spotlight
SPOONBILL GLOW
By Kim B. Parrish
© 2020 – 36 x 36” Oil on Canvas
ROSEATE SPOONBILLS
Platalea ajaja
FL Status: State-designated Threatened
If I had to pick a favorite Florida bird, the Roseate Spoonbill would be near the top of the list. These beautiful waders encapsulate everything Florida. Soft exterior colors and whites wash over the exterior of the animal, then the wings open and reveal an explosion of brilliant pinks and magentas. All this beauty resulted in a historical problem, as fashionistas and the plumage trade nearly destroyed the U.S. population for the adornment of women’s hats. By 1901, wildlife officials reported only 25 breeding pairs had survived.
Thankfully, Florida’s population of Spoonbills has rebounded to a degree, with colonies in coastal areas like Florida Bay, Tampa Bay and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Spoonbills are now recognized as an umbrella (indicator) species — used by scientists to measure the health of entire ecosystems. Today Florida’s Spoonbills face growing danger from invasive reptiles brought here from around the world, including Argentine tegus, Nile monitor lizards and Burmese pythons which are targeting both adults and nestlings. My original spoonbill art is 36 x 36 inches on canvas, and depicts young birds in a coastal mangrove. Some of my paintings are also available as limited edition reproductions. Thanks for your interest in my work, and I hope you enjoy the beauty of Florida’s wilderness.