The understandable excitement generated by our showy Glossy Ibis of yesterday saw a steady stream of expectant birders making their way up to North Hide in hope of more catwalk antics today. Although the green sheened one did put in an appearance this morning, it was - unlike yesterday - at a distance requiring the multitude of long lenses to work for their money.
Top local naturalist, (and RSPB volunteer) Bob Ford was among the first on the scene yesterday and has kindly given us permission to show the footage that he captured of the Ibis yesterday strutting up and down before the hide-based throng. For those of you who were unfortunate to miss out on this event I am sure that Bob's footage will in some way compensate... and who knows, there is always a tomorrow...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuv8Yb1VR-Y
...and should the Ibis fail to materialise our merry band of Radipole reed cutters have this week been treated to abundant bearded tits, bitterns (likely to be 3 in number on Radipole), reed buntings, water voles, med gulls, Iceland gull, bullfinch, stone chat, more water voles, harvest mice, otter spraint, marsh harriers and plenty more besides. The lesser celandines and marsh marigold are ready to erupt as the golden precursor to spring To this vivid background colour the ibis just may add a welcome gloss!
Good quality filming, particularly like the shhh, shhhing at the end!!
Saw the glossy last year in Uganda where they were more plentiful and usually kept in pairs, not uncommon there but it's all relative isn't it!? Great to see this one here.
Seize the day!