Wood ducks, Williamstown Swamp, September 2008.
Glossy ibis, Williamstown Swamp, September 2008.Sure enough, a young glossy ibis was there, feeding in the back corner of the swamp. We don't get too many ibises through this part of the world. My guess is that this bird was a post-breeding wanderer and it will likely head back south in the next day or so.
More interesting to me was the collection of 60 or more wood ducks loafing along the edge of the swamp and resting on a submerged log. The woodies were in various stages of molt—some still sporting the remnant summer feathers, some in partial eclipse plumage, and one or two males in their finest finery.
I'm really glad that this patch of bottomland swamp is still here for the birds (and people) to enjoy.
Wood ducks, Williamstown Swamp, September 2008.
9 comments:
Glossy Ibis, cool bird. I'm just as impressed with the wood ducks in a row.
It's a beautiful swamp.
Go, Williamstown, Go!
Last week, last week . . . was this ibis on the Ohio or WV listservs and I missed it (AND the ducks)? Oh, my.
DG
Stephen McCarthy, Royal Meteorologist of the Whipple Bird Club, advises that the ibis is still in residence, drowning in duckweed and wood ducks, as of October 1. Go, Deb, Go! And look for red-eared slider turkles while you're at it. They're not native but they sure look happy there. Probably started life as captives or fair prizes.
I must add that Sir Stephan McCarthy hath spotted yon ibis first of all.
Thanks, JZ — two favors in one morning! I do my professor imitation today, but I can be up there in 10 minutes this afternoon! (And thanks, Steve, too.)
DG
Lovely photos, want to take a ride into West Virginia one of these weekends. Do you have a favorite place for viewing birdlife? Hope this is not too rude of a question to ask.
Hi: I think is good and healthy to "stick" to the walk on feet ;-)
fantastic blog
regards From Spain
www.surfbirds.com/blog/andalucianature
I just watched the PBS special about the Cayahoga River in Ohio and how it has been and is being restored. It's quite an amazing story. Glad to see there are some other wetlands/swamps for the bird to enjoy. I love woodducks. How surprising to see the glossy ibis.
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