Whos keeping an eye on me....

Friday 11 October 2013

Glossy Ibis

my 232nd UK life species.

We have had a small invasion over the last few weeks across the UK of Glossy Ibis. A couple of fairly local sightings tempted myself and Phil to get out early and try to connect with them. First off was Tuesdays sortie to Tittesworth Reservoir in Staffordshire where a lone bird had been seen for a couple of days. Constant drizzle leaden early morning skies and no Glossy Ibis soon sent us packing back over the border....... not to worry!

Wednesday morning and off in the other direction into Greater Manchester and the moorlands of Bolton for the four that had been showing well over the past week. Contrasting day this morning, clear skies, strong wind and bitterly cold.

We had to search a little as they were not in the reported location, as we were beginning to hatch plan B, Phil spotted them exactly where they had been reported. They were mobile for a while and gave stunning aerial views as they hovered close to the car before settling distantly to feed.

I never did get all four in shot

 
Feeding frenzy


Wind swept
 
 

Close up
 


 
A brilliant few hours, and a stunning creature

7 comments:

Joop Zand said...

Very good photo's Dave...... well done again.

theconstantwalker said...

Well done in finding them... lovely images.

NatureFootstep said...

the best shots ever I have seen of this bird. I have seen it in two countries but never this close. And they seem to like backlight. Nice to see your shots.

TexWisGirl said...

such beautiful rich browns. :)

Anonymous said...

We have them here on Cape Ann but I've never been able to get good photos. Well done.

Dave said...

Cheers Everyone

Richard Pegler said...

So pleased to hear your perseverance paid off Dave. Some great results there too!!