On my last trip to Bear River MBR, I was able to take images of this White-faced Ibis preening, leaning, and walking in the wetlands next to the auto tour loop.
Preening White-faced Ibis in fall – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Most of the White-faced Ibis that spent their breeding season here in northern Utah have already migrated. We do have some of these ibis that linger here and I found two of them that day. One ibis was sleeping, while this one was preening when I drove up.
Preening White-faced Ibis in fall with inset – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to share a close-up of the bill of this ibis, which was visible behind one of the bird’s feathers. Until the day I took these photos, I don’t think I had previously noticed how translucent the feathers of this ibis could be.
Leaning White-faced Ibis preening – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I watched the ibis preening through my viewfinder. There were times I thought the bird had stretched its neck out so far that it might tip over and fall into the water. I laughed and kept photographing in case it did. It doesn’t take much to amuse me.
White-faced Ibis walking in an autumn wetland – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The White-faced Ibis didn’t topple over into the water. After the ibis had finished preening and leaning, it began to walk out into the open water. I liked this last photo for the reflection of the ibis, the pose of the bird, and the reflections of the vegetation on the other side of the pool of water.
I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this ibis.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my White-faced Ibis photos plus facts and information about this species.
There is so much to love about this series of shots. From the Ibis’ translucent feathers, the preening insert, to the incredible reflections; especially the last pic. And, of course, your wonderful narrative completes the imagery. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful photos. Thanks.
Lovely images, the last with the raised foot in a nice pose.
Lovely – and particular thanks for the detail in the insert.
Never noticed the grooved bill of this ibis before. Thank you for including the inset. Agree that your last shot is very special.
That last photo of the White-face Ibis is spectacular with the reflection. Wow!