Glossy Ibis at Stanstead Abbotts - 16th & 17th October 2023

Typically, while in Norfolk a Glossy Ibis was spotted for a couple of days at Rye Meads, but then disappeared. Thankfully it was relocated in Marsh Lane, Stanstead Abbotts by Jane Free. I had never previously seen one in Hertfordshire so an ideal opportunity to connect. Numbers have been increasing over the past few years as global warming pushes them northwards. They bred for the first time this year in Cambridgeshire. My first visit was on a dull afternoon so the shots were not great as shown below.

I also managed a short video.

The following day the weather was much better so I paid an afternoon visit when the light was less direct. Much better results showing off that glossy plumage.

That annoying moment when you clip a wing off!

A great local bird and a species that I think we will be seeing a lot more of over the coming years.