Liberty Loop Glossy Ibis – 8/14/14

One of three GLOSSY IBIS at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, 8/14/14.
One of three GLOSSY IBIS at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, 8/14/14.

The back pond at the Liberty Loop is certainly the local birding hotspot right now. Only one day after having a Willet there, today there were three GLOSSY IBIS present. The birds were in close, providing super looks and good photo ops. Linda Scrima joined me after a little while and we really enjoyed watching and photographing the birds as they fed nearly non-stop. Gorgeous and exciting birds! Here are some more shots:

This bird took a very thorough bath and then spent some time trying to dry off. Glossy Ibis at Wallkill River NWR - Liberty Loop, 8/14/14.
This bird took a very thorough bath and then spent some time trying to dry off. Glossy Ibis at Wallkill River NWR – Liberty Loop, 8/14/14.
The birds were feeding heavily. From what I could tell, they were eating small frogs and I think in this photo it's a large beetle.
The birds were feeding heavily. From what I could tell, they were eating small frogs and I think in this photo it’s a large beetle.
All three Glossy Ibis at the Liberty Loop today, 8/14/14.
All three Glossy Ibis at the Liberty Loop today, 8/14/14.