We went to Florida last week, lucking out with four beautiful weather days. First stop was Black Point Wildlife Drive, where one of the first birds we spotted was a Glossy Ibis.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 9, 2025
A slow moving Glossy Ibis and white clouds made some interesting reflections in the water ripple created by the bird’s movement.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 1, 2024
On the opposite side of the wildlife drive from the Mangroves a different ecosystem was attracting a variety of wading birds feeding in some shallow water. On other trips I’ve seen this area completely dry. After the recent rains there was water here, although it’s not visible from this angle.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
December 29, 2023
This pond is shallow, coming and going with the rain.
Wading birds are quick to explore any pool of water that is at their preferred depth.
A few Glossy Ibis were weaving around the mangrove roots probing for lunch.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
April 11, 2022
There is no etiquette amongst the wading birds.
Birds just drop in on each other, no announcement necessary.
You were busy fishing, I’ll share your spot.
Maybe just hop a bit further on.
I don’t know if they actually touched, but it sure was close.
The Reddish Egret never kept to his path and the Ibis did keep moving. Once the Ibis touched down he didn’t look as big as with his wings out.
According to Cornell’s All About Birds, the Glossy Ibis at 19-26 inches(48-66 cm) in length is slightly smaller than the Reddish Egret at 28-31 inches (70-80 cm).
Black Point Wildlife Drive
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
April 12, 2022
I was delighted to spot a Glossy Ibis in close range, even if he was being stalked by a Tricolored Heron looking to feed on any fish stirred up by the Ibis.
Finally, the Glossy Ibis made a pivot to the left leaving his companion behind for a moment and flashing his green iridescent side.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
January 31, 2022
Or more importantly, follow lunch. The wading birds in the rear often reap the benefits of a meal stirred up by those in the lead.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 29, 2021
No, they didn’t meet in a bar.
And when they did meet nothing happened, not even a glance.
They were just passing by.
In a couple of minutes they had both wandered to the left, searching the mud for lunch.
Lodge Pond, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 16, 2020
I’ve only seen Glossy Ibis a few times in South Carolina and was surprised to come upon this one feeding in an old rice field pond at the end of February.
Ibis will eat about anything they find while probing mud or wetlands.
When they turn in the light the Glossy Ibis’ colors are spectacular.
A Glossy Ibis casually passed by while the wading bird feeding frenzy of my recent posts was going on.
The Glossy Ibis has an iridescence that sparkles with green in the right light. These images didn’t quite capture that, but he was still a pretty sight.
