Ibis Fishing
Last week I was watching these two white ibis fishing in the salt marsh during low tide.
One of them caught a nice size fish and even had a bit of a struggle to get it under control and swallowed down.
But what I found most interesting about this situation was…his friend completely ignored the entire event.
Normally when two or more birds are feeding near each other and somebody comes up with a nice catch it creates a giant fuss and everyone has to get involved!
But not this time, the other ibis just calmly continued on about it’s business while his friend enjoyed aĀ hearty meal.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Such a sweet little friend.
Oh yeah he’s a real true pal! š That ibis was lucky though that it wasn’t a GBH, that fish would have been snatched quick!
I’m still amazed at how they manage to maneuver the fish in position to swallow. Does it always go down the hatch head first?
Yes it pretty much always does go down head first. We figure a lot has to do with the fish’s fins and scales. Trying to get it swallowed tail first would likely cut up the inside of the bird’s mouth and it’s tounge too. šÆ
Das sind sehr schƶne Vƶgel und die Fotos fantastisch, aber sind sie ja immer bei dir š
Vielen Dank bin ich glĆ¼cklich genieĆen Sie die Bilder š
Oh, Wow!! I can see a bird with a bigger bill handling a catch that size and even they amaze me. But seeing an Ibis with their skinny bill do this stuns me. Very good captures!
I know, I am always surprised when I see a bird like an ibis or snowy successfully take on and swallow down a larger size fish. I’ve seen them try but then give up but some really do go for the gold! š
Thanks Molly!
Maybe, he witnessed the bird who got the giant eel down, and this was like…..Meh. A little fish. Whatevers.
š
I have a Great Egret on my blog for you. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s what it is. I have a whole flock living in our urban pond at the park.
That could be, after that eel adventure they may be a bit jaded, heh heh
Thanks for checking out these pics!
Beautiful. A good friend or quietly jealous.
Thanks!
I don’t know, I was just surprised that the other guy acted so disinterested.
That’s a big fish for an Ibis to handle. It’s definitely big enough for two, but I guess there’s no sharing meals where water birds are concerned. Brilliant photos again Phil.
It was a big fish for an ibis, they normally munch on small crabs and other tiny marine crustaceans.
And no there is no sharing. The only time is meal might be shared is when somebody else grabs half of what you are eating by force. šÆ š
Thanks Sylvia!
You mean like when I think hubby’s dessert looks more delicious than mine, and my spoon sort of wanders over there? š
Ah yes, another person afflicted with Wandering Spoon Syndrome. I’m a long time sufferer myself. Although…I do try to limit *my* suffering. š š
Amazing capture!! How they manage to capture that big fish in low water?? That’s amazing.
Sometimes a larger fish will get sort of landlocked when the tide goes out. Maybe they were not paying attention and didn’t realize they should have gone out with the tide. But that’s when they get nabbed by the wading birds who live for that sort of mistake to happen.
Glad you like the photos!
Excellent shots, Phil!
Thanks much Gracie, glad you like them!
Amazing shots!
I appreciate you looking and commenting!
Great shots Phil.
Thank you Jan, I appreciate it!
Great pictures as ever Phil. Something odd going on there isn’t there.. š
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the photos!
I think odd is the new norm out there. š
That’s how friendship should be. That are great shots.
Yes it would be nice if they were always this friendly. Although the ibis do generally get along fine.
It’s the snowys, blue herons, and great egrets who spend a large portion of their day arguing with one another.
Glad you like the pics!
Det ser ut som om du bor mitt i et ibisrede, er det mulig? š
Ha en fin dag!
Vi bor i nƦrheten av stranden ha ha
Nyt dagen
Fantastic shots, really love the composition in the third shot!
Mum passes her regards too š
Thanks very much Ammi, I’m glad you like the ibis photos!
Glad mum is doing well too.
Wow! Nice and clear. Looks like you were right there. They look pretty calm.
Thanks very much! There were in nice and close on this one, I only needed a 200.
The ibis here can be fairly laid back.
What superb photos, not just these but some of the previous ones too. Loving those alligators. I couldn’t find an about page – so where are you – in the US somewhere, Texico?
Thanks very much for you visit and kind comments. I’m really glad you like the alligator photos as well.
I am in the southeastern U.S. in the coastal South Carolina area. We have a fairly unique environment nearby where the shore with it’s salt marsh is next to fresh water marsh ponds, and a swamp area, all in the same vicinity. It attracts a significant amount and variety of wildlife.
I went down there yesterday later in the day and almost got blown over. I was to late for any good shots of birds. But I did get the starting of the sunset. So at least that worked out for me. BUT I wish that I had seen the one you got. Phil that was awesome last night. Geri
Thanks for your visit here Geri May and I’m happy you enjoyed these photos and last nights sunset.
Ha rispettato il lavoro del collega š
Foto fantastiche
Ciao, Pat
Hai ragione che ha rispettato i suoi colleghi lavorano con il pesce.
grazie Pat š
I wonder if the amount of prey available influences their response? More fish, less fuss, so to speak! On the other hand, some birds like gulls seem to just enjoy the competition for a shrimp or fish, even when there’s plenty available. Maybe ibis are just have better manners!
A good case could be made for the theory that if everyone is getting plenty to eat, no one needs to panic.
But as you also indicate there are some birds that will fuss *always*. heh heh
The ibis may have slightly better manners then some others I see though. š
Really nice shots! I loved the reflection in the water…the ibis look so cute!.
Thank you so much! Yes they are kinda cute in a goofy sort of way. š