An Ibis Comes to Visit: Several times recently I have seen this Ibis in my neighbor's yard where too much vegetation stood in the way of my being able to shoot him. Finally, he jumped...

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Several times recently I have seen this Ibis in my neighbor's yard where too much vegetation stood in the way of my being able to shoot him. Finally, he jumped the fence. Frequently in the past couple of months, I have seen a large white bird, with neck and legs outstretched, flying south in the evenings. I suppose it was this dude. We are about 2 miles from the water as the Ibis flies. I don't really understand why he is hanging out here (except perhaps not having to share his pickings with his kinfolk) and I hope he keeps returning. He did not seem to mind my presence; perhaps next time I will try to get even closer.

Do the darker feathers indicate s/he is a juvie?

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Constant pecking with constant success - this bird should be too heavy to fly!

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Stalking more.

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Another success.

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And life continues - for the Ibis, not so much for the worm.

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DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Nice pics, Sherry, but can't help with your question, as it is much different to an Aussie Ibis. We have 3 species of Ibis & they all have black beaks/bills. Our White Ibis has some black plumage, unlike the one in your pics, which appears to be totally white. If I had to guess, I would say that it is an adult bird.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

DOOK wrote:

Nice pics, Sherry, but can't help with your question, as it is much different to an Aussie Ibis. We have 3 species of Ibis & they all have black beaks/bills. Our White Ibis has some black plumage, unlike the one in your pics, which appears to be totally white. If I had to guess, I would say that it is an adult bird.

Thanks for looking and for your nice comment, Earl. These pics don't show it, but this bird does have some black wing tips which show in flight. I had a look at the Australian White Ibis - love the contrast on that bird; it reminded me of a Mega-stuff Oreo.

angela k Loc: Long Island

That is so cool Sherry!!! Amazing shots of such a beautiful bird and ewwwy gooy worms!!! Love them!
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

angela k wrote:

That is so cool Sherry!!! Amazing shots of such a beautiful bird and ewwwy gooy worms!!! Love them!
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks for looking and your kind comment, Angela.
Everything I saw him catch looked like a worm - I am so hoping for mole cricket predators to come to my yard!

angela k Loc: Long Island

STVest wrote:

Thanks for looking and your kind comment, Angela.
Everything I saw him catch looked like a worm - I am so hoping for mole cricket predators to come to my yard!

?? they eat moles??

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

angela k wrote:

?? they eat moles??

No mole crickets on LI? Lucky you! They will totally destroy a lawn. I have a lot of critters that should be dining on mole crickets, but if they are, they aren't eating ENUF!

Everywhere I have lived, I have been in awe of the knowledge and helpfulness of the county extension agents. When asked about getting rid of mole crickets, the response was: "Put out a saucer of beer, hope they drink it, get drunk, and then stagger into the road and get run over."

angela k Loc: Long Island

STVest wrote:

No mole crickets on LI? Lucky you! They will totally destroy a lawn. I have a lot of critters that should be dining on mole crickets, but if they are, they aren't eating ENUF!

Everywhere I have lived, I have been in awe of the knowledge and helpfulness of the county extension agents. When asked about getting rid of mole crickets, the response was: "Put out a saucer of beer, hope they drink it, get drunk, and then stagger into the road and get run over."

Hahaha.... Good advice!!
We have moles and voles (I thankfully don't) and crickets, but I've never heard of a mole cricket!!! That's a strange combination!!

Eeeeeewwwwwww..... I just Google it!!! They are UGLY!!!

HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas

Great shots Sherry!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

I saw one of his kinfolk over on the causeway today, Sherry, but I can't shoot too well out the window of a flying vehicle. Lucky, lucky you! I'd have a heart attack if an Ibis showed up in our yard. Fantastic shots, and I hope he comes back!

STVest wrote:

Several times recently I have seen this Ibis in my... (show quote)

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

HOT Texas wrote:

Great shots Sherry!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks for looking and the thumbs, HOT!

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Dixiegirl wrote:

I saw one of his kinfolk over on the causeway today, Sherry, but I can't shoot too well out the window of a flying vehicle. Lucky, lucky you! I'd have a heart attack if an Ibis showed up in our yard. Fantastic shots, and I hope he comes back!

Thank you for your always kind comment, Donna. After posting this I did a little more reading about the Ibis. It seems that chowing down in people's yards is a common activity for them - but this summer is the first time I have seen them anywhere except on a waterfront. It pleased me much.

Flying across the causeway, huh? Sounds like a photo excursion to me! Anxious to see your harvest.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

It was, but the harvest yielded a poor crop this time. We'll wait awhile before returning to Weeks Bay and stick to the chigger infested swamps. I'm very excited about your Ibis, Sherry. I don't know anything at all about them, and today was the first time I'd seen one.

STVest wrote:

Thank you for your always kind comment, Donna. After posting this I did a little more reading about the Ibis. It seems that chowing down in people's yards is a common activity for them - but this summer is the first time I have seen them anywhere except on a waterfront. It pleased me much.

Flying across the causeway, huh? Sounds like a photo excursion to me! Anxious to see your harvest.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Dixiegirl wrote:

It was, but the harvest yielded a poor crop this time. We'll wait awhile before returning to Weeks Bay and stick to the chigger infested swamps. I'm very excited about your Ibis, Sherry. I don't know anything at all about them, and today was the first time I'd seen one.

Well, drat! Must have been pretty rough at the Bog for a chigger infested swamp to be preferable.

I have not seen an Ibis very often (and then only glimpses) until one started hanging next door - and now here - yay! When I first saw it next door I thought it was a cattle egret (yawn) and then did a double take. Now that he has discovered the abundance of bugs and worms in my yard, maybe he will ditch the neighbors; they won't care, they're poor working stiffs who don't even know he's been visiting.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

LOL You're a hoot, Sherry!

STVest wrote:

Well, drat! Must have been pretty rough at the Bo... (show quote)