Or, how a White Ibis stays white.
I spotted this White Ibis off the edge of the boardwalk, glistening from his bath.
I figured I’d missed the action but a couple moments later he took another turn.
He was really rotating his wings…
…sending water all over.
The wiggly lines in the water are reflection of the wire fence at the back of the rookery area that keep the Alligators contained.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
February 6, 2023
While most of the White Ibis flock was feeding in the pond a few were bee-bopping along on land.
Occasionally I got a clear view…
…including that fabulous blue eye.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 16, 2022
A flock of 10 or 12 White Ibis were feeding at the edge of a pond that is tangled with fallen brush and vegetation.
They crisscrossed a small open area of water, poking under all sorts of debris.
They move in random patterns when they are eating, two together quickly separate on their own food pursuit.
A pause to scratch.
The darker Ibis on the left is a juvenile, they slowly turn white over their first year.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 16, 2022
Several White Ibis were perched in some pond-side trees at Magnolia Cemetery yesterday.
From my vantage point most of them were partially hidden, this one with his blue eye just peeking through and his beak nicely lit.
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
November 18, 2022
I came upon a pair of White Ibis bobbing along, poking and prodding the water and mud in a small canal.
I followed them for a bit…
as they went in and out of the water.
They declined to have a joint photo.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 13, 2022
A few White Ibis stood out against the bright blue sky on this early November morning.
A look at a big marsh scene that included a small flock of Roseate Spoonbills way off in the air, a closer raft of dabbling ducks and a single White Ibis in the foreground.
A little closer look at the White Ibis.
Usually White Ibis are in constant motion in the water, poking and prodding for food, but this one was just looking around.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
The sun was low in the sky and cast a bright light on a small group of feeding White Ibis.
A few swamp sunflowers decorated their feeding area.
Ibis stay amazingly clean as they probe the mud.
Only his beak showed any sign of the local conditions.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 12, 2021
White Ibis are busy birds, poking and pecking as they go along looking for about anything to eat.
Usually in the water, this trio led a parade along the bank of a pond.
The water at the edge of the pond was too deep for them to wade so they worked their way around on the grass.
One stopped to take in the view.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
September 14, 2021
Most of the time the wading birds don’t pay any attention to each other.
They each just go about their business.
No matter how close they get.
Passing by!
Front row seats for everyone.
