Saturday, April 29, 2017

White Ibis in Spring mating plumage

We saw this White Ibis at Blue Run Park in Dunnellon on one of our hikes this month.


It had such beautiful Spring mating plumage...


except for his beak that looked like it had been dipped in tar!


The swamp is rich in nutrients and he didn't have a napkin handy.


So excuse the mess and enjoy the photos. (it's all good for them!)


We saw this colorful Lantana that day too. 


(if you look closely, you'll see a white spider in the center)

We are seeing some amazing birds here in Florida this Spring!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE
and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

37 comments:

Jane McLellan said...

That's interesting because we've had sacred ibis on our lawn here in South Africa for the last few months. It's mostly white, but when it flies it looks as though it's edged in black. Ibis must be very widespread!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the breeding Ibis has beautiful colors. Wonderful series of photos, Diane! The Verbena is very pretty too. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Jacqueline said...

I agree ....you ARE seeing some amazing birds in Florida!! Jackie

Prunella Pepperpot said...

Oh wow, the colour of the verbena is gorgeous as is your photography of the beautiful white ibis, such a cute looking character.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend :)

podso said...

Interesting close ups of the ibis. And what a riot of color the verbena has. You have such a good eye on your hikes!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

it's nice that ibis are so laid back

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a fun bird to photograph! I've been watching the birds at me feeders and I have a young pair of Cardinals who are growing like crazy. Hugs!

Kathy said...

Beautiful pictures! I'm always amazed at how close and clear your bird pictures are. Not so with mine. I've never seen an ibis before so I was fascinated. And yes, I did see the spider.

Vee said...

That is a very interesting bird! Oh I would have missed the spider if you hadn't pointed him out. And that would have been okay...really. Have a great weekend, Diane!

handmade by amalia said...

You outdid yourself, Diane, these photos are a work of art.
Amalia
xo

carol l mckenna said...

Gorgeous photos of the white Ibis ~ lovely ~ thanks,

Have a Happy Weekend ~ ^_^

Susie said...

Great photos Diane. Although the spidey gave me chills. LOL Hope you are loving your walk abouts. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Nice shots- he really looks like he was posing for you! Have a great weekend!

A Colorful World said...

Such a gorgeous bird. Some beautiful photos.

Jeanie said...

Magnificent, Diane. What a wonderful sighting!

Hootin Anni said...

Just when you think you know a bird by sight, they go into Breeding Plumage...and you have to learn MORE. lol ...at least that is the way it was for me when I began birding years ago.

Oh, and the flower is a Lantana! Verbena is quite different.

helen tilston said...

Hello Diana,

Fabulous images of the ibis I love all. He was so unaware of you picturing him.

Hope you have a lovely weekend and wishing you lots more exotic bird spotting

Helen x

Sam I Am...... said...

The beautiful mating plummage is the all white or the red beak? Don't they always look like that? Great picture in the swamp!

happyone said...

I don 't think I've ever seen a white spider. Good eye to spot it.
Great picture of the ibis. Wow they have long beaks.

Linda Kay said...

Such a graceful bird, Diana, and quite lovely.

JoAnn Bayne said...

Oh the bird is fabulous - we have nothing like that out here on the west coast. I adore lantana - we had it all over California but it doesn't grow as as well up here in soggy pacific northwest. Happy week ahead my dear.

Rose said...

I'd love to see an ibis in real life...in the wild.

Linda said...

Excellent shots of the ibis! I like the lantana too.

BeachGypsy said...

Some great captures of the bird and i do love the lantana!!--- im always photographing it here too! Yall hiking amy this weekend? Weve been painting the porch and yard work--'maybe relax tomorrow!?

NanaDiana said...

Oooohhhh...I think I need a spider alert in your headers from now on. lol I DO NOT like spiders! Great shots of the ibis though. xo Diana

cucki said...

Aww so pretty x

Inspired By June said...

Beautiful captures, Diane! Have a wonder-filled week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I love to see those guys in their bright red breeding plumage. And messy eaters never bother me. Beautiful lantana (I think that's what it is) and the white spider is cool.

Anni said...

I'm a bit late getting around to visiting and sending along my thanks for sharing with us birders this weekend....been out birding since daybreak!! And I'm enjoying your post for a 2nd time, great ibis images.

Thanks again, Diane.

Cherdecor said...

Oh be sure to take some wipes with you the next time. I think you should give that bird a name. Monk would be good! Hahaha! Have you ever watched that show?

Anonymous said...

Diane, what an odd looking bird. It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland's adventures! I love the flowers' colors (not the spider)!

Lowcarb team member said...

Great shots of the White Ibis and those blooms are such a lovely colour ... and I'd never seen a white spider before.

All the best Jan

Blondie's Journal said...

Amazing pics, Diane! Your posts are never dull!

Jane x

Anonymous said...

Hi sweet friend. Such gorgeous photos from your hike. I love Lantana; I would not have seen the spider if you had not mentioned it!
I hope you both have a lovely May.

Red Rose Alley said...

The White Ibis is an unusual looking fellow. I love his red legs and beak and white body. Oh, you have the most interesting birds in Florida, Diane. The bunch of Lantana are just too pretty to have a spider settling on them hehehe. Spring has arrived around your neck of the woods, and it's so lovely.

~Sheri

Debbie said...

2 critters, for the price of one. i would have surely missed the spider!!! beautiful shots of the ibis!!!

NatureFootstep said...

gorgeous images of the white Ibis :)