15 July 2011, part 2

In a previous post, I indicated that 1) the lighting was bad at
Pickerington Ponds this afternoon and 2) I was thinking the ibises were
hatch-year birds.

I went back this evening in better light and was able to see that one of
the birds (but not the 2 others) had red eyes and pink facial skin.  In
addition to ruling out a "pure" Glossy Ibis, I believe this rules out the
possibility of this bird being a hatch-year individual.  At this point I'm
not sure on the age of the other two birds.  Lesson learned:  Always
carefully assess your viewing conditions when making inferences about eye
color on these birds.

At 8:30pm, the 3 ibises began calling, unprovoked, and flew off to the
north.  It was not apparent whether they were leaving for good or just
going somewhere else to roost for the night.

I'll post my new (much better) photos when I am able, likely in the next 24
hours.

Good birding,
Dave Slager
Columbus, Ohio




On Sun, Jul 15, 2012 at 4:30 PM, Dave Slager <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> 15 July 2011
>
> From about 1:30-3pm, the 3 *Plegadis *ibis were still present at
> Pickerington Ponds Metropark in Franklin County, near the Wood Duck viewing
> area.  Thanks to Margaret and Nancy for getting the word out.  Keep in mind:
>
> 1)  Lighting conditions at this spot are best in the evening.  Another way
> to put it is that lighting is frustrating here at all other times of the
> day.
>
> 2)  I am thinking these are juvenile (hatch-year) birds.  In flight, their
> flight feathers are uniform, crisp, and fresh with no sign of molt.  They
> have streaked dull brown heads and necks and some scattered white spotting
> is present on the throat, foreneck, and crown areas.  Note that Glossy
> Ibis, White-faced Ibis, and hybrids are all possible in Ohio and many of
> the field marks in your bird guide only apply to breeding adults, so many
> younger birds will not be readily field-identifiable.  I am still studying
> my field notes, photos, and other resources but at this point I'm guessing
> a specific ID will be difficult or elusive.  I have some photos I will post
> a link to later.  If anyone else gets decent photos or has comments on the
> age and/or ID of these birds, please post to the listserv!
>
> 3)  1 Stilt Sandpiper and 1 Short-billed Dowitcher were also here.
>
> Good birding,
> Dave Slager
> Columbus, Ohio
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 15, 2012 at 12:47 PM, Margaret Bowman <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
> > My friend Nancy Falcon who lives near Pickerington Ponds in Franklin Co.
> just called me and asked me to post to the Ohio Birds Listserv. On her way
> home from church today (Sunday July 15) she stopped briefly and saw 3 dark
> ibis, which she believes are glossy ibis. She does not have a scope. These
> were in the general area of the Wood Duck Blind, and were visible without
> optics. Nancy is originally from Louisiana, and she knows an ibis when she
> sees one!
> >
> > Margaret Bowman
> > Licking Co., OH
> >
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