I’d noted this specialty on the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge eBird list, but had assumed encountering it would require a long hike as it had the last time I’d seen a flamingo in the park. Flamingos weren’t my goal this time. I’d come to photograph ducks for my Birds of Florida book – Redhead, Canvasback, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Duck among my targets. I’d already decided I wouldn’t let the presence of a flamingo distract me. I didn’t have time to hike miles for a species I’d already photographed and yet here it was – a pink beacon towering over a flotilla of ducks in the historic lighthouse pool. Spellbound, I involuntarily clicked my shutter despite my resolve to stay focused on ducks. I eventually refocused, but as the sun lowered beyond the horizon and the skies lit like fire – the flamingo once again stole the stage.