ML342008681

Detalhes da observação

Found by Mark Vass. Viewed through scope and binoculars as it walked, fed, preened, and flew, around a farm pond. Medium-sized wading bird with an overall plumage coloration of dark, reddish brown with iridescent green obvious in the primaries, secondaries and greater coverts on folded wings. The lesser coverts were the bright reddish brown of the neck, breast, flanks and belly. The long, decurved bill was medium gray in color. Bright pink facial skin from the eye to the base of the bill was edged by a distinct white border that went behind the red eye. The bill color, complete white border and red eye primarily used to distinguish the bird from Glossy Ibis. Based on these physical characteristics it was determined to be an adult in full breeding plumage. We watched it for approximately 40 minutes as it moved around the pond feeding and occasionally preening. It flew short distances a couple of times before it flew and rose in circles, soaring into a thermal and flying toward the east. In flight, long, thin, neck outstretched with long, curved bill obvious; long legs extending well past the body. The underwing was grayish and lighter. Photos.