Although much of the water there had iced over, I was tickled to find this White-faced Ibis foraging in the wetlands of Farmington Bay WMA last week.
Adult White-faced Ibis foraging in wetlands – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Most of the White-faced Ibis migrated to their wintering grounds weeks ago. A few hardy individuals always seem to stick around for the winter in the marshes of Farmington Bay WMA. This ibis was by itself when I photographed it walking in the open water near the marshy vegetation. I liked the wider angle view I had of this ibis.
It may be difficult to see in this web-sized image but there was a thin skin of ice on the water close to the shore. The ripples in the reflections are less noticeable where the ice had formed overnight.
I didn’t hang around this spot long because two hunters who parked slightly south of me seemed anxious to walk onto a dike near where I was photographing this bird. It was nice of them to not flush the ibis I was focusing on.
Later in the morning in about this general area I saw a small flock of about ten White-faced Ibis. I didn’t stop and photograph this ibis because they were nearly hidden in tall grasses. This winter I would love to take photos of this species in a really snowy setting.
Speaking of snow… it snowed yesterday and overnight so this morning it looks like a winter wonderland outside of my living room window. It is supposed to be cloudy until later afternoon but I have a feeling I’ll be going out sometime this morning to enjoy the snow. After I scrape the white stuff off of my Jeep I may just have to see what birds I can find close to home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my White-faced Ibis photos plus facts and information about this species.
Really like all the golden hues and light in this shot. Glad you’re getting some snow. Hopefully, it stays the powdery type that’s a bit easier to clear.
Definitely a hardy bird. Enjoy your snow.