Psilos Bird Journal
Sunday November 12th 2006
     
"One glossy bird"
 
Glossy Ibis
 
The high winds from yesterday had abated but when I set off to find the Glossy Ibis it was still raining. Our destination was Fluke Hall, Pilling in Lancashire and it is where the African Ibis has been for the last few weeks. Here we were very lucky. Upon arrival we found the bird immediatly, feeding in the field by the road and giving very good views. A surprisingly small bird the poor light failed to show this bird to its full potential. Im sure in the right light its plumage is very colourful. Ten minutes later large flocks of birds flew over having been chased by a Peregrine and the Ibis flew up with them and dropped down behind some reeds and out of sight.
 
Whooper swans

The field in which the Ibis could be found was quite extraordinary. When we arrived there were also four whooper swans (one adult and three juveniles) and a generous scattering of Red legged Partridge. Out over the fields and the sea beyond there were swirling flocks of Starlings and lapwings. Shelducks and Curlews with their rapid and direct flight path were everywhere.

As we were about to move on we noticed a skein of Whooper swans flying across the water towards us. Viewed against a wide open sky and totally wild they were truely magestic.

 
Unable to drag myself away from the scene I was in total awe of the gathering swans as their numbers began to swell.

The light was so poor that photographing the Ibis and the Partridges close by really wasnt possible so all my attentions were pointed towards the skies.
 

By early afternoon I thought the flock would fly off towards Martinmere to feed and roost but by the time the light started to fail this clearly was not going to be the case. At dusk the noise of the birds busily feeding could be heard from some distance away and it was clear that these birds were there to stay. I have never seen whooper swans roosting outside of Martinmere before and it was a fascinating experience.
     
 
     
Throughout the afternoon the Ibis had put in several appearances but the poor light produced very low quality images. This bird when flying has a very eratic flight pattern and was most interesting to watch. With its long beak it shape just looked so out of place in our landscape. Heres hoping the bird stays around long enough for me to get back there in good light.