Ok, ok, they are not really called swamp chickens 🙂 But that’s what the locals call the plentiful Ibis. When I first saw this distinctive bird I had no idea they were so commonplace in Florida.
Now that I’ve been here awhile I understand why they are referred to as swamp chickens. Any time there is a muddy ditch or wet grassy area they are there probing in the mud for tiny crustaceans.
These are the first images I made the day I received my big rented lens. I went and picked up my beautiful box at the UPS depot and returned to the campground to practice. The Ibis were right in our campground. I made these, and most of the other bird images, hand-held with the 400mm f/5.6L lens.
I moved to FL almost 3 years ago and one of my Scottish Terriers goes NUTS when he sees the Ibis. My sister and I call them Goonie Birds. Thank you for the pictures and the fact that the locals call them Swamp Chickens. Robert Burns-Titusville
Hi Robert. Oh, Titusville! I loved it there. You are so lucky to live near the Merrit Island wildlife sanctuary. I think that’s where I first fell in love with bird photography. Even the swamp chickens, haha. Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.
Love the silhouette as well….. When in Sydney, Australia in 2003 I was excited to hear that they had a lot of Ibis around their harbor. When I arrived, I found they had adapted to city life much like very large pigeons – noisy and dirty. Watching them pick through trash cans was very sad for me.
This post helps the image of the beautiful Ibis in my book — THANKS!
Hi John, yes I know exactly what you mean, they are not quite as beautiful when they are all muddy and eating garbage. Such pretty birds with that unusual beak, they deserve better! Thank you for your visit and comments, much appreciated.
You really peaked my interest with that title Anne. That silhouette is awesome especially when contrasted with the deep blue background
haha, I got a good laugh when I first heard “swamp chicken” too. Thank you very much for your comments.
That silhouette is amazing, what great color!
Many thanks Howard!
Funny looking chickens, Have fun with the 400mm. 🙂
They sure are!! I’m loving the 400mm, I might have to invest in one at some point. Thanks for your visit and comments Chris.
that silhouette shot is awesome Anne, great work!!
Thank you very much Jim, the bird was standing in the shade so it was easiest to meter for the bright water behind him and let the bird go into silhouette.