Birding

Glossy Ibis breeding around Broome

July 9, 2017 by Clare M 4 Comments

Over the past few months there has been a steady increase in the number of Glossy Ibis around the Broome area and it has not been hard to find a location where you can observe the Straw-necked Ibis, Australian White Ibis and the Glossy Ibis together. The Broome area has been an excellent area for birds to come to this year after significant rains during our wet season and we have seen increased numbers of some species we rarely see in dry years. Not only have we seen increased numbers of many species, but they have also come and bred here. Not only have the Magpie Geese visited the area and bred, but also Australian Painted Snipe, Australasian Grebes and Black-winged Stilt have taken advantage of the favourable conditions. This year has been the first year that we have encountered such large flocks of Glossy Ibis and in particular young birds that do not have fully developed bills. There have been flocks of over five hundred young Glossy Ibis with very few adult birds in permanent attendance indicating a crèche situation. Some of these flocks have been close to the coast among the saltbush at the ephemeral lakes and although the Glossy Ibis are unable to fly they are able to move fast through the water to escape from danger.

A few of the five hundred Glossy Ibis near the coast

The Glossy Ibis in the above photos are part of the crèche and you can see that some on the far left do have very short bills that are yet to develop. Some of the birds also had very pale necks and white patches were still visible. At the ephemeral lakes inland from the coast the Glossy Ibis are more developed and they have full sized bills, but do still have some juvenile feathers remaining in the photos below.

Glossy Ibis inland from the coast

Glossy Ibis eating fresh water mussels

The good numbers of Glossy Ibis will disperse over coming months, but it has been a joy to see so many in the Broome area this year!

Written by Clare M
Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!