Sunday

" Ibis"



"Ibis"

Tonight I'm on the other side of the state,  in Palm Beach.       The weather is so much  hotter than in Tampa and I was wise enough to pack my shorts and tank tops for the week here.
My daughter lives in a rather nice garden apartment and her front door overlooks a large lake with a tiny island directly in the center.  I am literally standing at her door taking the photo below.


Every evening,  at twilight the Ibis roost in the tree, right in the center of the island.
It's an amazing sight, to see them all come flying in, circle a few times then fight with their neighbors  for space.  But first they land in the grass around the lake to get a few bugs and such for their last snack of the day.





Watching this event is really quite a sight.
The birds are noisy and loud as they push one another out of the way looking for the best spot.
 Once all the birds have found their "bed" they quiet down and sleep for the night.  The photo below, it's 8 in the evening and every now and then they squawk and push but eventually they settle down to quiet.

Once darkness falls the tree looks rather like a Christmas tree with white lights, as the moon casts it's light on the area.
   Tomorrow, at the crack of dawn all the Ibis will take flight for another day of hunting for food. I wonder where they go, but I have seen these birds in many cities in South Florida.
When you drive around the neighborhoods you might see the Ibis in someones front yard, grubbing in the grass for bugs. 
But you can be sure, tomorrow
I'll be out on the patio to watch this evening roosting event, 
one more time.



4 comments:

Pondside said...

What a sight that must be. They do, indeed, resemble lights on a Christmas tree.

Abby said...

wow there are so many in that tree! We had the immature white ibis up here during the summer and the glossy ibis. How fun to know they have migrated down there!

Gypsy Heart said...

How interesting! Such beautiful photos, Sandy...thanks for sharing.

xo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

How interesting! Such beautiful photos, Sandy...thanks for sharing.

xo
Pat