Glossy Ibises at Earith Bridge

11th April 2021

Glossy Ibises are like buses. You wait for ages and then three turn up at once, and this three have been present in the flooded field by Earith Bridge since the 5th December 2020 at least, when four birds were present. Thank you to Brendan Doe for the information. It is not altogether too surprising as the flooded meadow provides a perfect habitat for these birds, although they were not present when we arrived at 9.00am, but had flown in from another part of the Ouse Washes when we returned later in the day.

The light conditions were perfect with the sun behind us, but photography was quite tricky as the grass was quite long and the birds had their heads down for 95% of the the time and so it was a matter of timing a short burst every time they came up for air.

From a distance they appeared to be plain black or dark brown, but when the sun shone on them it was easy to see how they got their name.

They were not at all concerned by our presence, but were easily spooked when other birds such as egrets and herons flew too close. This, however, did give some opportunities for some flight shots.

They are the most awesome birds with an almost prehistoric appearance, but how on earth do they preen with that bill???