Well I must start this post with an apology not because I haven't been here in a while, but for doubting that anyone was paying any attention to me!
So had a bit of a shock last week while checking out the Birdwatch Ireland Page on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/BirdWatchIreland.
Two Glossy Ibises were spotted in Portmarnock beside the Texaco Garage which is known for its bird life but mostly Mallards. As I don't live too far away from there I decided to take a wee look on Saturday.
I arrived about 6:30 pm and to my surprise I was alone - no really all by myself - even the duckies had left by the time I turned round and parked!
There on the park a few mere meters away from me were the two Glossy Ibises. A juvenile and a adult.
Adult on the left Juvenile on the right.
The adult has a white ring on the left leg with a code U6U and a metal ring on the right.
Ring is clearly seen on its right leg and a metal ring on the left.
U6U code on adults leg
I love the twist of the juveniles neck in this, eating.
Adult happily feeding.
I sat and watched and took photos for a about 10/15 minutes without the Ibises even noticing. At one point the juvenile looked up from the feeding to find his/her mammy had worked her way to the other side of the field so panicked and ran over.
Juvenile running to get back to his/her mammy.
I couldn't believe that I had such good views and tried to get as close to them as I can - unfortunately I took the step that was one step too many and scared them off.
So anyone who came behind me I apologise for hogging the great views and scaring them off.
Then I hopped in the car and headed to Bull Island for a little goo before I went home.
I was just getting my fleece out of the boot when I spotted a fellow birdwatcher as I turned back to my car to a shout of 'Rhona?''. Who did it turn out to be only Siobhan.
We had a wee chat and a wee look around the Bull but as the tide was out it wasn't so busy.
But hey I'd got great views of the Ibises so I was a happy bunny.
And to finish off I have emailed some people in Southern Spain who I hope may have ringed the Adult!! Fingers crossed I will hear back from them soon with some more info about the bird. If I do I will let you know.
Goodbye for now!!!
So anyone who came behind me I apologise for hogging the great views and scaring them off.
Then I hopped in the car and headed to Bull Island for a little goo before I went home.
I was just getting my fleece out of the boot when I spotted a fellow birdwatcher as I turned back to my car to a shout of 'Rhona?''. Who did it turn out to be only Siobhan.
We had a wee chat and a wee look around the Bull but as the tide was out it wasn't so busy.
But hey I'd got great views of the Ibises so I was a happy bunny.
And to finish off I have emailed some people in Southern Spain who I hope may have ringed the Adult!! Fingers crossed I will hear back from them soon with some more info about the bird. If I do I will let you know.
Goodbye for now!!!
