No flash was used. I am one of a team of photographers in Florida who do not and will not use flash on birds. There are various opinions on using flash on birds. Some naturalists say no damage can be done but their is also naturalists and state wildlife officials who caution photographers not to use flash on birds.
I like to shoot with the sun coming over my shoulder and front lighting my subjects thereby eliminating the need for flash.
The controversy will continue I guess, but it is my choice to keep my flash in my camera bag. I prefer front lighting for most of my wildlife photography.