Glossy Ibis .... Marlborough

[Mtn Breeze]

Hi everyone,

I was out and about with the camera yesterday afternoon and found a Glossy Ibis on a small shallow pond down Redwood Pass Road.
I'm picking it was prolly one of Will's seven 'pet' birds that frequent his wetland ?? It was feeding flat out with about two dozen Pied Stilts. Burying its bill right up to its nostrils, it was seemingly 'plucking' off underwater vegetation and coming up with what looked like some sort of red fruit or berry. (You can see it in one of the images below as it tosses it up and back into its mouth).
Also managed a few shots of two Shoveler drakes fighting over a hen.

Matt.














Red 'berry' visible in this shot





And, 'the fight'.

[phil hammond]

Hi Matt

Super photos------ thanks for posting

Could you give us some info about how far along Redwood Pass Rd it was---would be much appreciated

[Clinton9]

A beautiful juvenile glossy ibis...hope this is a 10-month-old New Zealand-bred ibis.

[Will Parsons]

Last night we had 4 Glossy ibis on our wetland which is the first time I've seen any their for a week. I suspect that some maybe with the breeding spoonbill on the settling ponds at the beginning on the Wairau lagoon. I have also seen ibis feeding on the 1st corner of Redwood Pass road just over a dry river bridge feeding in some muddy water. It is very dry here in Marlborough I suspect this area will have no water feeding areas by the middle of the month if not before. We also have a great egret showing on the lower Opawa most days.
Please ring us on 5777 7651 if you wish to visit as we have animals and a Retreat (accommodation) here.
Cheers