| Ibis and Spoonbills (4) 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. High count of 620 late June 1996. 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. Glossy Ibis * A common permanent resident of wetlands and fields. They are becoming more abundant. High count of 1,180 in February 1988. LCBC high count of 1,350 in 1997. Roseate Spoonbill* Uncommon bird usually found in phosphate pits. Nests on the Florida west coast nearby and juveniles wander inland after nesting. Nesting confirmed in Polk County on July15, 2005. High counts of 24 on Feb. 27, 2005 and 17 in May of 1999. LCBC high count of 38 in 2003. (SSC) |