Local resident Kezna Cameron spotted a Glossy ibis on the lake on 27 November 2023, and gave me permission to post her photos. She managed to grab a few shots of the very hungry bird just as it was getting dark. It seems to have moved on overnight.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Update 30 November 2023: Kezna managed some even better photos today. The two new photos are next.
Identification: Length: 48 - 66 cm; Weight: 485 - 970 grams; A large heron-sized wading bird with a long down-curved bill and dark brown plumage with glossy green iridescence.
The glossy ibis is a frequent vagrant to New Zealand. … A few reach New Zealand most years, where they are mainly seen in wetlands, estuaries and damp pasture.
Thanks Kezna for spotting the bird, alerting us to it and giving permission to use your photos.
