Glossy Ibis at Croft Pascoe, Lizard

A confiding first summer Glossy Ibis spent a week at Croft Pascoe pool.  First found on Friday 17th August, it remained on and off until the 25th August.  The water level at the pool is at its lowest for many years and clearly attractive to this lone bird.  Glossy Ibis has been increasing in frequency over the last decade, no doubt linked to the increases seen in Spain since 2006.

 

Young ibis shows some gloss

This first year Glossy Ibis has been present at Chapel Amble since last Friday.  It appears quite content feeding in the middle of the meadow at the edge of the village.  This individual shows a mixture of young feathers and a hint of the adult's glossy greens and purples in the flight feathers.  A closer look and comparison of the bird seen at Stithians last October would appear to rule out them being the same individual. There has been another Glossy Ibis at Exminster Marshes, Devon present since the end of December.  Glossy Ibis records are increasing in Cornwall and the species is not the major rarity it once was.   Just a couple years ago, a flock of 17 were seen in the Lizard area.

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A touch of gloss

The first year Glossy Ibis has been present at the southern end of Stithians Reservoir for nearly two weeks. First found on the 4th October by Steve Kolodziejski, it can be quite mobile, but is normally quite content feeding in the shallow pools near the wire road fence.  Formerly a major county rarity, this delightful species has recently become an annual occurrence.  Indeed just a couple years ago, a flock of 17 were seen in the Lizard area.

Ibis checks the gloss

Glossy Ibis' are stunning birds with a wide range of subtle colours, sheens and glooses within the plumage. This bird posed for about an hour on the flash-flood meadow whilst it fed and preened. Exposure is a nightmare though, especially in the midday sun.

EXIF Detail: Aperture Priority. Ap F/10. Exposure 0.0EV. ISO 200. Shutter 1/60s. Tripod mounted. Taken midday.