Ibis and Spoonbills (4)

Photo: Carol Cassels

White Ibis *
A common permanent resident of wetlands and fields. Some night roosts can contain thousands of birds. Formerly even more abundant, scientist documented 10,000 nests near Lake Hancock in the1980's. Tied for high count was the 10,000 nesting on an island in Lake 5 at Tenoroc Fish Management area near Lakeland in 2010. LCBC high count of 5,240 in 1997. (SSC)

White-faced Ibis
One, possibly two birds, were found at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland on 28 May, 2002. A second record, an adult in full breeding plumage was found in May 2004 at the Circle B-Bar Reserve. The key field mark is the red eye. They were last seen in 2010 at Circle B Bar.

Glossy Ibis *
A common permanent resident of wetlands and fields. They are becoming more abundant. High count of 1,180 in February 1988. The LCBC high count of 1,350 was in 1997.

Photo: C L Geanangel

Roseate Spoonbill *
An uncommon bird usually found in phosphate pits and the Circle B Bar Reserve. Spoonbills nests on the Florida west coast nearby and juveniles wander inland after nesting. Nesting here was confirmed in Polk County on July 15, 2005 and continues to the present. A high counts of 45 was counted in a PPM in May of 2011 and 24 were reported on Feb. 27, 2005 and 17 in May of 1999. The LCBC high count of 38 was in 2003. (SSC)

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