Glossy Ibis

I didn't expect to be adding Glossy Ibis to my year list this year, so was surprised to hear of one just 5 minutes down the road from where I live. This meant taking an early lunch to go and take a look. It was well worth it. 

It was cold and frosty, but there was sunlight, which has been sadly lacking of late. This bird was busy foraging in the hedge-lined field. These hedges also gave it protection from disturbance. All my photos were taken through gaps in the hedge. It looks settled, so hopefully stays for a while. This made it species 90 for the year so far. I dare say I'll get an easier one.

Glossy Ibis

A few weeks ago there was a bit of an influx of Glossy Ibis into the country, and of particular interest to me were four birds that had made themselves at home close to the Horwich moors.
I'd managed to see my first Glossy Ibis last year at Sandbach, but it stayed distant. This time, these guys made it very easy to see them and they seemed almost oblivious to mine and the other birders present. I thought my luck was out at first, as I'd gone to High Rid reservoir first, where they had been the previous day, only for them to not be there. Fortunately, the wonders of modern technology alerted me to them being in a field less than a mile away. Fantastic birds to see.

Sandbach Flashes

I spent a couple of hours yesterday at Sandbach Flashes in Cheshire to see the Glossy Ibis that has been present for  a couple of weeks. At first there was no sign but then it flew up from the rivers edge and across into view. Unfortunately, it was a little out of range for my lens, plus it was very overcast. So what I got were some very poor record shots. I also got to see my first Iceland Gull, along with Black-tailed Godwits, Tree Sparrow, Wigeon, Cormorants, Sparrowhawk and many more. Hopefully I will get back at a later date, with better light for a better shot.

Glossy Ibis (not so glossy in this light)

Wigeon

Black-tailed Godwits