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White-faced Ibis?

Last post 07-23-2008, 5:37 PM by Bird Brain. 4 replies.
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  •  07-22-2008, 5:36 PM 53326

    I know I'm going to feel foolish for asking this, but here goes!! I've seen these critters all summer around the wetlands and farnlands around Sacramento. I see them in flocks of 5 to 25 or more, usually late in the day as if they are leaving their feeding grounds (wetlands) to go to their roosting area somewhere else. The only species I can think of found in this area (that I know of, anyway) is White-faced Ibis. I see hundreds of them some days (total addition of several groups). I haven't been able to get a close look at them... this photo was taken from several hundred yards away, thus the poor quality. I'm hoping someone can ID them by their profile and location!

    We did not inherit Mother Earth from our ancestors...... we have borrowed Her from our descendants.
    Chief Seattle (paraphrased)
  •  07-22-2008, 6:31 PM 53328 in reply to 53326

    Re: White-faced Ibis?

    Yes, White-faced Ibis based on range and field marks.

    2008 Yard List: 118
    Recent: Hooded Warbler, Black-billed Cuckoo
    Highlights: Hoary Redpoll, Golden Eagle, Fish Crow
    2008 Year List: 181
    Recent: Alder Flycatcher, Green Heron
    Highlights: Cackling Goose, Black Vulture, Merlin

  •  07-23-2008, 10:27 AM 53398 in reply to 53326

    Re: White-faced Ibis?

    What about glossy ibis?  I'm not sure of the distribution of this species (no map is available in the Expert).  I know I always get these two species confused.
  •  07-23-2008, 11:28 AM 53412 in reply to 53398

    Re: White-faced Ibis?

    Glossy Ibis is not seen on the west coast, whereas Sacramento is well within the normal range for White-faced.
  •  07-23-2008, 5:37 PM 53453 in reply to 53326

    Re: White-faced Ibis?

    Thanks for the confirmation, y'all. White-faced Ibis was the only logical ID for these birds, yet I have never been able to get a good enough look for a positive ID. I was also surprised at how large the flocks were for this time of year... usually only a pair or a family group is seen for birds, not flocks of them!! Huh?
    We did not inherit Mother Earth from our ancestors...... we have borrowed Her from our descendants.
    Chief Seattle (paraphrased)
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